Game 3 vs QPR(H) 20th August: A Reflection

Starting Line-Up:

(4-5-1)                                 Al-Habsi

Boyce                 Caldwell                        Lopez                Figueroa

                                            Watson

                           Gomez                         Diame

Moses                                                                                Rodallega

                                           Di Santo

Result: 2-0

Man of the Match: Franco Di Santo

I think it’s probably fair to say that Franco Di-Santo took even himself by surprise with his match-winning display in this fixture. Although Roberto Martinez continues to insist that the only thing that was missing from his game was goals, several Latics fans were against seeing him becoming a regular fixture in the side prior to this game. Though the majority of supporters can appreciate his honesty and hard work in leading the line whenever he is called upon, many doubted whether he had the ability to succeed at this level, with Chelsea seemingly displaying little fight to retain his services.

The game opened in typically tentative style for the home side, with QPR making the early pressing, culminating in talisman Adel Taraabt striking a post with a well-placed curling effort from the edge of the area. Just as the home crowd began to grow restless with the Latics lack of penetration, a wonder strike from Di-Santo delivered a much-needed lift immediately before half-time. From here, Wigan pushed on in the second half and began to dominate possession with the much lauded passing style instilled by Martinez. The home fans were to be shocked for a second time in one afternoon with the arrival of another Di-Santo rocket midway through the second-half. Although admittedly both of Di-Santo’s shots took significant deflections, he appears to be carrying a far greater goal-threat than he did in his debut season at the DW Stadium.

Roberto Martinez will now rue the arrival of the international break, particularly with the importance of momentum in the modern game. A daunting trip to free-scoring Man City awaits the Latics on their return to Premier League Action in a fortnight’s time and few will predict anything but a Home win. Yet if the Wigan side can display the resilience which they have relied on for clean sheets in the last two games, anything could be possible if a goal can be scored on the counter.