Latics yet again suffered due to lack of finishing ability in front of goal, plus a penalty that wasn’t given, final score Wigan Athletic 0 Everton 1.
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE – DW STADIUM – Saturday 30th Aanuary 2010
WIGAN ATHLETIC
0-1
EVERTON Cahill 85
Latics were a victim of their own inability to convert one of the many chances that were created during this game. Rodallega, Scotland and N’Zogbia came so close but we just couldn’t find that opening goal that would have knocked the stuffing out of a very average Everton side.
Tim Cahill popped up at the death after his marker Figueroa was pushed out of the way, to head home from six yards with just 5 minutes of normal time remaining.
It wasn’t the only infringement the referee missed as Latics 10 minutes earlier should have had a penalty after N’Zogbia was felled in the area, but Lee Proctor pointed to a free kick on the 18 yard line instead.
The first half was dominated by Wigan but for a very nervy penalty claim from the visitors as Caldwell was chasing Saha, on another day with another referee it could have seen us a man down and a penalty against us but Procter thought Saha dived and I’ll go along with that.
Even though we were spreading the ball around well in the opening 20 minutes or so, chances were far and few between, N’Zogbia wasted a free kick in a good position on the edge of the area whilst Rodallega forced Howard into a fine save after a one, two with Scotland.
Saha got free using his own trickery and his shot nearly gave the Toffees a very undeserved lead as it ricocheted off Cahill’s arse and rebound of the post.
Latics though immediately got back onto it and streaked up to the other end. A great through ball from McCarthy sent Scotland one on one with Howard only for the low on confidence striker to blaze his shot over the bar when a little lob, or a side footed shot either side of the out of position keeper would have seen him break his league duck.
Rodallega had a great cross taken off his head by Senderos, whilst the pressure continued with Scotland and N’Zogbia enjoying lots of time on the ball.
Senderos was called into action again when Scotland put Rodallega through, it took a last ditch tackle to stop Hugo firing the first goal.
The second half was no different as we pushed for that illusive first goal, but Everton’s defence was standing firm.
We then should have had a penalty as N’Zogbia is clattered down just inside the box, but the linesman says it is just outside and so a free kick was awarded, amazingly no card though.
The kick came to nothing but in the next attack a shot from Scotland seemed to come off Fellaini’s arm but again no penalty and a corner is awarded.
Scharner’s introduction nearly paid dividends straight away as the Austrian was sent through on goal, but he was adjudged to be off side even though it looked like Senderos was a bit slow in moving out.
Latics rained crosses into the box in vain as they were systematically cleared up by Howard and his defence.
Another free kick was given on the edge of the area but after the first take was charged down by Pienaar from 5 yards (hurray a yellow card).
The second effort again hits an Everton players arm in the area, this time it is Tim Cahill that gets away with another penalty claim.
Then came the sting, as Everton had a rare counter attack, they won a corner that Baines swung towards Cahill.
Figueroa was knocked to the ground leaving the Australian with a free header from 6 yards and the Toffees put eleven men behind the ball to see the game out.
We did think we had got an equaliser at the death though as another piece of N’Zogbia magic saw him carve out space to shoot only for the ball to rattle the post.