James Paul Crompton

3rd goal, third minute of injury time, (sub) Alcaraz (no. 3…of course!) B)

Didn’t Ramis /Watson play 120 and another 90 today ??

Not sure we’re talking about the first 11 going out at Bradford, maybe a couple more than the one outfield player (Ramis) who played against West Ham.

Without wishing to go over old ground, one early goal (game over) and Bobby could have gone to town, substituting /blooding more youngsters (resting the ‘old, established’ for Saturday).

Might also have allowed the likes of Maloney, Kone etc. to get on the score sheet, instilling them with confidence /sharpness for today (fortunately, Watson took his chance)

Take a look at Swansea – same core have played against City last week, Liverpool in mid-week and Chelsea today – they haven’t done too badly.

Spurs were in the Capital cup also this week. Faced more difficult tie on paper than ours …

1505:

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: “I think [the start did not help us], it was important not to put ourselves in trouble, which is what we did. We had a lot of the ball after we conceded the first goal but we did not create a lot.

“Then, when we were 2-0 down and down to 10 men it became difficult, if it was 11 v 11 then we could have come back.

“Yes [Wilshere’s sending off] looked harsh from the stand, the second yellow.

“I think we were a bit unlucky, especially with the penalty decision, we always have a penalty against when we play Manchester United, us so we get used to it.

“We had the better chances than but overall in a game like this you ought to not put yourself on the back foot when you are one down.”

Wonder whether Wenger will cop for a fine also ??

the very one named a ‘sewer rat (Blackburn/QPR)’ at the time by his new boss, N Warnock (Leeds) :kiss:

Would we? How were they numbered?

If purely alphabetically then the draw as it stands is
5 v 4
8 v 6
7 v 2
3 v 1

If we were 8 we would have played number 6, Norwich, at home.

However 3 v 1 would have been Chelsea v Arsenal, so that draw would never have happened ;)[/quote]

blimey, figuring out the magic 6 numbers (retire tomorrow), is easier !

whatever, the draw would / wouldn’t have been, fair to say that progress to the last 8 and beyond would have

– generated much-need additional revenue for the club (transfer window)
– given a LIMITED number of fringe players (further) opportunity to pit
their wits against the best (Forect /Bradford to Arsenal /Chelsea)
– helped raised the profile of Wigan Athletic, domestically and abroad
– potentially brought one or two fair weather supporters down to the DW
– given the hardy ‘core’ something to shout about

ALL POSITIVE …

– As for doing the ‘impossible’, Cardiff came mighty close last year.
Granted Liverpool are no Chelsea (Arsenal?); hopefully, we’re a notch
up on Cardiff.

What’s done is done, but no doubt, missed opportunity.

(End of) Tottenham, Saturday ….

Has had the odd blip in the transfer market, hopefully his recent acquisitions will shape up (Kone, a steal, off to a flyer…).

Has provided for stability at the club with Uncle Dave’s significant backing. In so doing, overseen transformation of the playing staff / style of play, to one more cost effective and easy on the eye.

Undoubtedly, he has made mistakes (who hasn’t ?), but has matured as a manager and got his team, back end of last season, to turn on ‘Barca-like’ performances against the big guns, that had the New York Times (or something similar)drooling about Wigan Athletic (who?).

Having worked on the foundations over several seasons and given us an inkling of what can be achieved (latter 2011/12), a positive campaign this year (Top 12)will further enhance his reputation.