Wigan Athletic notched their sixth successive away win being almost unrecognizable from the jaded side we saw in midweek against Sheffield Wednesday. This time they were full of energy and their pressing forced the home team into series of errors. They were technically and physically superior to the home team over the 90 minutes
Ipswich’s goal after 19 minutes came from central defender Tommy Smith hooking a loose ball into the right hand corner of the net following a melee in the penalty box. Their play had been typical of that of a Mick McCarthy side, with crosses raining in to the Latics box.
Latics equalized within two minutes when James McClean latched on to a great cut back by Fortune to score an opportunist goal. The goal spurred Latics on and it was no surprise when they got their second in the 42nd minute. Jordi Gomez put in beautifully flighted free kick from the left, the Ipswich keeper did not go for it and Barnett headed home.
At half time some Ipswich supporters opined to me that their team never does well against big physical sides like Wigan. There was some truth in their assertion that Latics had more height in their team, but the reality was that after McClean’s goal Latics were winning almost all of the fifty-fifty challenges, especially when Ipswich put the ball up in the air. Being an ex-Norwich player Barnett was subject to jeering from the crowd, but he and Ramis had started to gobble up the high balls and stifle the home team’s limited tactic.
Ipswich came out in the second half with fresh resolve, but Wigan’s experienced and very capable back four held firm. Jordi Gomez was pulling the strings in midfield and Latics looked dangerous on counterattack. At one stage Martyn Waghorn broke through from midfield with two teammates in close support. A goal was on the cards, but Wigan were thwarted by a last ditch challenge by the classy Aaron Creswell.
Fortune had fought relentlessly against Ipswich’s robust defence and once again he broke free when Gomez dispossessed a defender and released the French Guiniaian on the right. His superb low cross eluded the home defence to be hit home with glee by McClean.
Latics had been both technically and physically superior to the home side and deserved their three points.
The Good
Midway through the second half when an Ipswich player got the ball in his own half close to the half way line. He was immediately surrounded by three Wigan players and ended up skewing his pass out of play for a Latics throw. It was an indication of the high pressing that Latics had been operating, making it difficult for the home side to get any coherency to their play. It is the hallmark of the Rosler era.
Following a shaky start the back four were excellent. Ramis and Boyce oozed class, with Barnett and Perch were their usual competitive, combative selves.
James McArthur played a valiant defensive role in midfield, partnered by Ryan Tunnicliffe who looked more comfortable than in midweek. The Ipswich supporters hold him in high regard from his time there in the first half of the season. It is going to take him some time to reach the levels of Chris McCann and Ben Watson, but this was a step forward for him. Gomez has become a new player under Rosler, working as hard as ever, but now more and more resisting the back pass. Some of his passes did not quite come off, but many were made under pressure and were well intentioned.
Waghorn was a hive of industry as always and helped Boyce resist the treat of Cresswell and company on the Ipswich left. The enigmatic McClean was his usual positive self in terms of his running and commitment but this time he got into good scoring positions His first goal was very well taken, with a right foot he rarely uses. He looked dangerous throughout and it was good to see him complete the 90 minutes.
The Bad
Rosler took a gamble playing his three regular defenders whose bodies must have taken a physical toll after so many games in recent weeks. He clearly wanted to win this match against promotion rivals, but now is paying the price. It is not known at this stage how long Barnett’s injury will keep him out, but Rosler now faces having to disrupt his back four. Boyce, at 34 years of age, is clearly due a rest, as is Perch, so Rosler will face a dilemma for Tuesday’s game against Yeovil.
Player Ratings
Ali al-Habsi: 7 – did all that could be expected of him.
Emmerson Boyce: 7.5 – in a superb run of form.
Ivan Ramis: 8 – oozed quality.
Leon Barnett: 7.5 – superb in the air, solid no-frills in defence. Will be sorely missed in his recuperation from injury.
James Perch: 7.5 – moved across to the left, but this consummate team player did not let the team down. Very solid in defence.
James McArthur: 7 – did not find much space for his passing game, but his workrate and tackling was important.
Ryan Tunnicliffe: 6 – continues to adjust to the style of play.
Jordi Gomez: 8 – totally committed, commanded the midfield.
Martyn Waghorn: 6 – a team player who gives his all. His defensive contribution was crucial. An important cog in Rosler’s tactical system.
Marc-Antoine Fortune: 8 – a determined display by the central striker. Took on the physical challenge and made two assists.
James McClean: 8.5 – blossoming under Rosler. Fast, direct and physical he poses a threat to defences. His final ball continues to improve and in this match he showed the kind of finishing that can make him a top player.
Substitutes:
Nick Powell: – came on for Waghorn after 63 minutes. Not at his best in a wide right position, but will clearly have a major role in the coming weeks.
Rob Kiernan: – looked comfortable. Likely to be a regular fixture on the bench as he can play in defence or midfield.
Stephen Crainey: – came on after 80 minutes.
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