Last Gasp Penalty Sinks Latics

A Latics performnce that was full of effort but ultimatley lacking in attacking prowess, saw Latics fall to another defeat.

Martinez made two changes from the personnel that started against Man United,Kirkland was replaced by Pollitt due to injury and Koumas dropped to the bench to be replaced by Boyce.

This necessitated positional changes, with many of the sparse Latics following expecting Scharner to play in midfield. One thing about Martinez is, that he will never be predictable and Scharner started the game as a lone forward with Rodellaga on the left wing.

Latics struggled to provide sustained attacking moves but looked solid at the back with Boyce and espicially Bramble, cleaning up all the Everton breaks.

Midfield once again looked vulnerable to the oppostion, which wasn't helped by the referee Mr Probert penalising Latics at seemingly every tackle. Diame was particulary clumsy with his tackling and it was a relief when he was substituted before he was sent off.

Scharner looked a threat going forward and worked tirelessly covering back when Latics were under pressure, with Cahill the main protagonist. The tiny Australian was everwhere and tested Pollitt who saved well.

Rodwell also forced Pollitt into a fine save when the ball was heading for the top corner.

At the other end Latics were left to trying to create things from set pieces but didn't trouble Howard in the home goal.

Scotland replaced Diame to play the lone striker role, with Scharner dropping back into midfield. Scotland had few chances to shine but when he did he was easily dispossessed.

Half time brought an enthusiastic round of applause from the travelling fans for a performnce short on chances but high on commitment.

The second half was a far more open affair, with both sides searching for a goal. WIgan were under the cosh for most of the half but dealt with Everton's attacking playa and looked to counter attack.

The opening goal came as a result of oen such counter attack. N' Zogbia broke on the right and crossed into the area which Scharner met with a low header.

Gomez should have made it two a minute later but his fierce shot hit the post with Howard beaten.

Latics lead was short lived as within five minutes, Saha rose to meet a corner and headed past the static Pollitt.

The game ebbed and followed with Latics replacing the limping Thomas and the isolated Rodellaga with Cho and Sinclair

Latics covered every blade of grass in defence, throwing themselves in front of every ball and should have taken the lead again when Sinclair broke out of defence and with only the keeper to beat and other Latics players in support, fired directly at the keeper.

This missed chance was to prvoe costly, when Jo was felled in the area by Boyce and Baines blasted the resultant penalty straight down the centre, to win the game for Everton.

This was cruel for a Wigan side that tried so hard but once again, created very little going forward and who really need a quality forward before the transfer deadline.

Titus Bramble...back to form and looked more comfortable with Martinez dispensing with trying to play the ball out from defence
A coupel fo good saves but looked poor with crosses Mario threw himself at every ball and didn't deserve to be on the loosing side Played well but couldn't argue with the penalty decision A superb performacne and back to his best If he does want to move we need to talk him out of it fast Taken off before he was sent off. Kicked everything bar the ball. Looks to have promise but needs more experienced players around him Provided the cross for the goal but too often his passes went astray Didnt assert himself again Wasted on the wing Gave everything for the cause Looked out of his depth Ran around a lot Wasted a glorious chance Roberto Martinez...6/10

Credit for realising that playing the ball out of defence isn't working but persevering with one forwrd and placing the best forward in the club on the left wing was a bit barmy

A very uneven performance, penalty was the correct decision but he awarded so many free kicks agaisnt Wigan which were unfair A very small travelling support today witnessed a much improved performnce from a team that is still learning and is limited in attack.

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