Wigan travelled back across the M62 after their third league defeat in as many games leaving any new incoming manager under no illusions as to the magnitude of the task ahead if Wigan are to get into the play off picture.
Acting manager, the former Latics stalwart Graham Barrow opted to rotate the squad again following the abject performance against Derby which precipitated Owen Coyle’s demise with recalls for Carson, Perch,Beausejour and McCann and a switch to the 3-5-2 formation favoured by Roberto Martinez.
Leeds roared on by a large home crowd set off on the front foot against a Wigan side low on confidence and it was no surprise when they took the lead when following a poorly cleared set piece the ball came back into the area and goal hotshot McCormack flicked the ball into the net.
Wigan struggled to get back into the game but gradually did so by playing a more grounded passing game as opposed to the much criticised longer ball game, the former a style of play which appeared to suit the central midfield trio of McArthur, McCann and Watson.
Wigan’s main problem this season has been the inability to convert chances into goals, a flaw which has them as the fourth worst goals for tally in the division and so it proved again with Keane thwarted by Kenny blocking not one but two chances.
Wigan looked dangerous at set pieces and Boyce was left to rue a free header which went wide of the post.
Wigan continued to dominate possession in the second half but chances continued to go astray and as the game wore on, the home side grew in confidence and that man McCormack doubled the advantage when McCormack fired a long range free kick past the wall and the outstretched hand of the diving Carson.
Wigan kept plugging away but ti wasn’t to be their night and this defeat leaves them well off the promotion places and starting to cast nervous glances over their shoulders at the relegation places, something that would have been unthinkable after the first game of the season, a four nil away win at Barnsley.
Team Line up
Carson, Boyce, Barnett Ramis, Perch, Beausejour, McArthur, McCann, Watson, Powell, Keane
Subs Used
Holt for Keane, McClean for Beausejour, McManaman for Powell
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