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On Tuesday, Wigan had just gone 2-1 up when Rosler took off Powell (66 min) and Gomez (79 min). Leicester came back into the game and scored a late equaliser.
Today, Wigan were winning 1-0 and comfortably in control of the game. Rosler took Powell off early (55 min) and then McManaman (62 min). Leeds then came into the game and threatened to score, but their forwards weren’t as dangerous as Leicester’s.
I can understand Rosler wanting to protect Powell and other players. But it’s dangerous to cede control of the game with 25 or 35 minutes still to play.
We are crying out for a goal-scoring forward. Rosler started with Powell and McManaman as forwards today – with Fortune coming on after 68 minutes. On Tuesday he started with Powell and Maynard, and Fortune came on after 66 minutes.
There’s a midweek game against Millwall and then Rosler needs to field his first choice team in the semifinal on Saturday.
I’m pleased to say my third ticket arrived today.
I don’t know how long it was in the post, the envelope hadn’t been franked!
This weekend; Everton v Arsenal
Next weekend; Wigan v Arsenal60 points after 31 games is Everton’s best ever total in Premier League history, surpassing the 57 they had mustered at this stage in 2007-08.
And there’s no sign of capitulation at Everton. They have won 15 points from goals scored in the final 10 minutes of matches this season, more than any team in the division.
No team has ever had 60 or more points after 31 games of a Premier League season and failed to finish in the top four. However, both Everton and Arsenal have now achieved this. Something has got to give.
Roberto looks well-placed to compete with Arsenal. Everton are without Jagielka, Pienaar, Oviedo and Gibson, but they have cover including Alcaraz. That doesn’t look too bad compared to Arsenal’s shocking injury list.
Yet more injuries for Arsenal! Friday 4 April;
Arsene Wenger has disclosed more injury news ahead of Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park, with Kieran Gibbs and Serge Gnabry both struggling for full fitness ahead of the crunch clash.
Injuries – they happen!
Latest news on Arsenal’s injuries – Thursday 3 April;
Arsene Wenger told Arsenal.com: “Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal are back in the squad, so that is good news. Hopefully they will be available for Sunday.”
Wenger also revealed that Abou Diaby had resumed training this week and that Laurent Koscielny was the next player he expected to have available, either next week or the week after the Gunners trip to Wembley.
The manager said that Jack Wilshere was progressing well but didn’t give a date for the England international’s return.
Record signing Mesut Ozil, who has been out of action with a hamstring injury picked up in Munich, will miss the FA Cup clash with Wigan but it is hoped he will return soon after that.
Theo Walcott is out for the rest of the season.
I’ve got my regulation 2 tickets. I ordered a third when they went on open sale, which hasn’t arrived yet.
I’ll wait for the post today – it should be here soon. If the ticket hasn’t come, I’ll ring the box office.
I agree that if we had kept the pressure on Leicester, then we would probably have stayed in the lead.
But we’ve got a very busy programme ahead;
Saturday Home to Leeds
Tuesday Home to Millwall
Saturday Wembley v Arsenal
Good Friday Home to Reading
Easter Monday Away to BurnleyI imagine that Rosler is looking ahead.
McEachran came on for Gomez. McEachran is more defensive, so I expected midfield to become a little tighter.
However, it didn’t seem to change the nature of the game. Both sides continued to attack and make chances.
It was 3-5-2 last night, with Boyce, Ramis and Kiernan as the back three and Perch and Crainey as wing backs. It seemed suited to Leicester’s front two, Nugent and Wood.
I think Uwe will see this as a test for Wigan, and perhaps a game in preparation for the semifinal.
I expect him to pick a strong team, including most from Ramis, McEachran, Powell and McManaman.
There’s time to recover before Leeds at lunchtime on Saturday – plus the opportunity to rotate players too.
It’s a busy programme, so he has to be careful with his team selections. It’s Millwall next Tuesday and then Arsenal on Saturday.
And Tottenham are a different proposition too.
The season started with new managers at Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United. Wenger seemed to have lost his way at Arsenal, while Liverpool appeared to be still in transition.
Tottenham, with the proceeds from the sale of Bale, had a real opportunity to break into the top four. They have thrown it away!
What happened to competing to win?
Three clubs in the Premier League are competing for the title.
Six clubs are in mid-table, with a chance of winning a place in Europe.
Eleven clubs are fighting for survival. Perhaps we will be back amongst them next season.
My comments were made before his rather expensive loan signings ! If it makes you feel better I will hold my hands up and say that I may have underestimated him, lets just hope that they don’t become like Arsenal, content with finishing 3rd or 4th every season whilst winning fuck all !And before the sale of Fellaini – that funded the new signings.
A challenge for the League title is beyond their resources, but Martinez could aim at winning a cup.
As we have seen, you need a big squad to compete in Europe.
But you have consistently underestimated both Liverpool and Everton. Or is it just prejudice against the teams from Liverpool?
I don’t think that there’s much between either Liverpool and City or Everton and Arsenal. City have to go to Liverpool, and to Everton too. Arsenal have to go to Everton. These games will be like cup ties – and home advantage may tell.
We know that City are beatable – and Arsenal still have a distraction!
Can’t find a bet for Liverpool not to finish top.
City are 5/6 with BetVictor to win title.
Everton not to finish in top four; Coral and BetVictor 7-2.
