Saturday was doubly disappointing.

 Disappointing in the sense of the result but equally disappointing as for the first time under Warren Joyce’s tenure for large parts of the game against Derby we looked the better side. We played some great football at times but again couldn’t convert that to goals.

The difference between Saturday and the win over Huddersfield was that old adage of not being clinical enough, one of the main reasons we’re in the position we are in is because we haven’t been able to take our chances anywhere near enough this season.

Which brings us to the formation, Joyce got it right on Monday against Huddersfield. The one pronged approach of Yanic Wildschut and our counter attacking tactics were the perfect combat to Huddersfield’s expansive game but against a Derby side willing to pack the midfield and defence I’m not sure Yanic carried the same threat. Indeed we looked a different side in the second half with Will Grigg and latterly Adam Le Fondre in the side.

Joyce has publicly stated that both Grigg and Le Fondre are far from being at the level he requires for players to get a starting place in his side but I wonder how much longer we can continue with our leading goal scorer on the bench. Certainly at home where we need to start putting away those chances.

Otherwise this season could quickly turn in to a full blown relegation battle. Before we’ve even reached the new year.

Sean Livesey

First published in the Wigan Evening Post, Friday 9th December 2016

We promise you that it’s easier to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t have to rely on us to remind you when a new episode comes out.    

Apple sorts can find it on iTunes here – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-pie-at-night-podcast/id1097853442?mt=2   

We're on Spotify too - https://open.spotify.com/show/3LlAUt3RrnFfPndQSuA3mq?si=97eaecc3ddf34fd8   

And in an attempt to look all Gen-Z, we've now got a YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thepieatnight_wafc   

But proving that we know you're not, you can get our RSS feed here – http://feeds.feedburner.com/thepieatnight   

And, in an attempt to pretend we're actually creative, here's our Soundcloud page   

If you prefer a different podcast app then either stop being contrary, or just search for “The Pie at Night Podcast”.

 

• Tags: Aston Villa, Championship, Wigan Athletic