Wigan Athletic F.C. season 2008–09
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Manager |  Steve Bruce |
|---|---|
| Chairman | Dave Whelan |
| Premier League | 7th |
| FA Cup | Third round |
| Carling Cup | Fourth round |
| Top goalscorer | League:  Amr Zaki (10)All: Amr Zaki (11) |
| Highest home attendance | 22,304 Vs. Manchester City |
| Lowest home attendance | 4,100 vs. Notts County |
This article chronicles the 2008/2009 Premier League season for Wigan Athletic.
Contents |
[edit] July/August 2008
The Wigan club began their fourth season in the English Premier League for the first time with Steve Bruce as the manager of the club. The off season saw the club sign a number of players which included Middlesbrough's highly rated young midfielder Lee Cattermole, Birmingham City pair Daniël de Ridder & Olivier Kapo (Both players had previously played under Bruce when manager at Birmingham) and little known Egyptian striker Amr Zaki who was ranked as the #1 striker according to FIFA rankings[1].
The club saw no forced sales during the transfer window, with players like Emile Heskey, Paul Scharner, Luis Antonio Valencia & Wilson Palacios decided to commit their futures to the club rather than move away. The club did however allow Julius Aghahowa, Salomon Olembe, Josip Skoko, Andreas Granqvist, Marlon King & Marcus Bent to leave the club.
During the off-season the Latics played in seven friendlies (all away from home} to prepare for the new Premier League season. The first game was on Saturday, 19 July away to FC St. Veit which Wigan won comfortably 3-0. The next game was played on Tuesday, 22nd July against Bundesliga opposition Eintracht Frankfurt from which the Latics were defeated 2-0. A further away game in Germany was played on Friday, 25 July against another Bundesliga club Hannover which finished 2-2.
Wigan's first friendly played on English soil was held on the 29 July at Barnsley which saw the Latics give a debut to new midfield signing Lee Cattermole. The Wigan club smashed the Yorkshire outfit 6-0 with goals from Marlon King, Emile Heskey, Luis Antonio Valencia, Michael Brown and a brace for new boy Daniel De Ridder. [2]. Wigan made the short trip to Sheffield on 2 August to play Championship club Sheffield Wednesday defeating them 3-2. Wigan later travelled to Scotland to face SPL side Hibernian on 5 August, winning 1-0 before finishing off their pre-season with an impressive victory over Dutch side Utrecht 1-0.
Wigan's first Premiership game was away to West Ham United on the 16 August with the home side victorious thanks to a Dean Ashton brace of goals. Wigan finished the game the better side according to reports and had the better possession and territory overall for the whole game but could only muster one goal, from debutant Amr Zaki, losing 2-1. [3]
On 24 August Wigan played their first game at the JJB Stadium against last season's Premier League runner's up Chelsea. The game began badly for Wigan who, already without first choice goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, gave away a free kick after just 4 minutes of play just outside the box which was scored by Chelsea's Deco. Despite going down early the Latics rallied and performed valiantly against one of the superior Premier League sides and pressed for an equalising goal which in the end was in vain and Chelsea ran out 1-0 victors. [4]
On 26 August Wigan played against Notts County at the JJB Stadium in the second round of the Carling Cup which led to a comprehensive 4-0 victory for the hosts. Many of Wigan's fringe players, including striker Henri Camara shone in this one-sided affair with goals coming from Camara (2), Zaki & Tomasz Kupisz. [5]
On 30 August Wigan played away to Premiership newcomers Hull City in a Premier League game that, if Hull won, would lead them to the top of the table. Wigan however where not to be thwarted three times in a row and thrashed Hull 5-0, the clubs biggest victory in the Premiership. Hull began woefully with poor defending leading to an own goal by Sam Ricketts from a Kevin Kilbane corner within 5 minutes. Luis Antonio Valencia added a second on the counter attack and despite some decent resolve from Hull they were finished after an Amr Zaki strike just after the hour mark made sure of the result. Later goals were added by Zaki and Emile Heskey. [6]
[edit] September 2008
Wigan's next home fixture was played on 13 September against Sunderland, a fixture which had caused controversy within the town due to the decision to move a Rugby League fixture the previous day by owner Dave Whelan to allow the pitch to be in good condition for the game against Sunderland, a move which angered many Wigan Warriors fans. The game itself started well for Sunderland who dominated the game and eventually led to Sunderland's opening goal, scored by Wigan defender Titus Bramble as the defender tried to clear the resulting corner and headed into his own goal. Wigan finished the half the better side and came out after half time much the same but struggled to find the equaliser. The game became a more even affair nearer the end of the second half, with both side posting good chances. It was Wigan who would break Sunderland's resistance however with another goal from Amr Zaki equalising matters for Wigan before Lee Cattermole was given a red card in the final minutes of the game.[7]
On 16 September Wigan announced the signing for former Birmingham & Ghanian international goalkeeper Richard Kingston, released after the 2007/2008 season from Birmingham, on a three-year contract after a successful trail period. [8]
On 21 September Wigan travelled to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur. The last time Wigan faced Tottenham they were heavily defeated 4-0 but performed much better against a struggling Tottenham side who before the game were rooted to the bottom of the Premiership. Wigan had a few decent chances within the game but struggled to dominate the game for large periods with only Tottenham's toothless attacking plays keeping Wigan in the game. A controversial penalty appeal was also dismissed after Maynor Figueroa tripped Spurs midfielder Aaron Lennon in the box only to have his appeals dismissed by referee Steve Tanner. [9]
On 28 September Wigan faced Manchester City at the JJB Stadium. Goals from Antonio Valencia from long distance, and Amr Zaki after a penalty gave Wigan there 2-1. The lone goal score for Manchester City was scored by Vincent Kompany. [10]
[edit] October 2008
On 4 October Wigan again played at home and hosted a struggling Middlesbrough side who had not won away from home all season. Wigan had looked confident and the most threatening during the opening half but unable to take their chances when given them and where eventually undone in the 89th minute with a strike from Middlesbrough forward Jeremie Aliadiere winning the game for Middlesbrough in the last minutes of the game. [11]
On 18 October Wigan travelled to Anfield to play league leaders Liverpool. Wigan showed sheer determination throughout the whole game and took the lead on the 29th minute from the head of lead goalscorer Amr Zaki. Dirk Kuyt later levelled things for Liverpool before a sensational strike from Zaki moments before half time gave Wigan the lead for the second time in the game. Wigan dominated the majority of the second half before a reckless challenge from Wigan midfielder Antonio Valencia led to the player being given a second yellow card and leaving the field. The game opened up more for Liverpool who where inspired by Wigan's disadvantage and Albert Riera restored parity five minutes after the dismissal of Valencia. Wigan then had to play defensively for the remainder of the game as Liverpool assaulted the Wigan goalline and where successful just five minutes before the end of the game as Dirk Kuyt nodded home a Jermaine Pennant cross to win the game for Liverpool. [12]
On 26 October Wigan hosted an in-form Aston Villa side and where comfortably beaten by the title rivals 4-0. Gareth Barry had opened the scoring early in the first half after Titus Bramble gave away a penalty in the box and were battered into submission in the second half with goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew scoring within a five minute period ending the game as a contest, a final goal from Steve Sidwell moments before the end compounded the misery for Wigan. [13]
On 29 October Wigan travelled to Fulham for their final game in October and finished with another loss, Wigan's fourth in a row. Both sides had been struggling for form before the game and it was billed as a relagation battle in which Fulham came out successful with a 2-0 victory over their near rivals. Andy Johnson celebrated his 100th career goal in this game with an early goal and then another on the hour mark to finish off Wigan's resilence and put pressure on Wigan boss Steve Bruce. [14]
[edit] November 2008
On 1 November Wigan's luck changed as they managed to take all three points in a hard fought victory at Fratton Park against Portsmouth. Portsmouth where the side who had controlled the opening half but a foul on Titus Bramble by Papa Bouba Diop in the box led to a penalty converted by Amr Zaki on the stroke of half time. Portsmouth came out in the second half strong and bombarded the Wigan goalline with many goal-scoring opportunities, hitting the woodwork a total of four times before Wigan took the initiative and made Portsmouth pay for their wasteful demeanour with Emile Heskey bagging his 100th career goal to give Wigan a precious three points in the final minutes of the game. [15]
On 8 November Wigan hosted Stoke City at the JJB Stadium. Wigan dominated the game but where both sides where largely uninspiring in a the first half with very few chances. Wigan were better equipped in the second half and peppered the Stoke goal mouth but were left frustrated at Stoke's defensive prowess and the game ended 0-0. [16]
On 11 November Wigan travelled to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the Carling Cup fourth round. With both sides playing largely their reserve outfits it was Arsenal who were victorious in a very one-sided affair. The game took a while to come to life but a goal by Jay Simpson just before half time broke the deadlock and spurred Arsenal onto an emphatic win against a toothless Wigan side. A further goal for Simpson and Carlos Vela ended Wigan's run in the Carling Cup for 2008/2009. [17]
On 15 November Wigan travelled to St. James's Park to face Newcastle United. The first half was well controlled and organised by Wigan against a sloppy Newcastle and they conceded a goal within three minutes after a wonder strike from Ryan Taylor gave Wigan the lead. In the second half Newcastle looked more determined and were galvanised by a second bookable offence for Wigan's Emmerson Boyce. Wigan still looked in control of the game for large periods despite missing key men such as Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki but were undone with the arrival of Michael Owen. It was Owen's attacking threat that eventually broke through and pulled Newcastle level on the 80th minute and seven minutes later Owen's attacking partner Obafemi Martins put Newcastle in a seemingly unassailable position in the game with minutes remaining. However, poor defence from Newcastle allowed Titus Bramble to power a header home with a minute of normal time remaining to earn Wigan a point. [18]
On 24 November Wigan played a home fixture against Merseyside rivals Everton. In a game that offered many opportunities for both sides but woeful finishing it would be Wigan who would eventually break the deadlock with a strike from Henri Camara mid-way through the second half ensuring Wigan took all three points and clawed themselves out of the relagation zone. It was Camara's first Premier League goal since December 2006.[19]
On 29 November Wigan finished the month by hosting fellow strugglers West Bromwich Albion. In a game that West Brom had fought hard in they initially took the lead through Ishmael Miller after a Titus Bramble blunder gifted the striker an opportunity on goal. West Brom could have had a further lead if not for the form of Chris Kirkland, who made numerous saves to keep Wigan in the game. Wigan would later equalise through Henri Camara just after the hour mark and it was an 87th minute goal from an unmarked Emmerson Boyce that finished off an unlucky West Brom and gave Wigan a vital three points. [20]
[edit] December 2008
On 6th December Wigan travelled to the Emirates Stadium to face an out of form Arsenal. It was however to be Arsenal's day as Emmanuel Adebayor scored against the run of play in the 16th minute to give Arsenal a lead they would never lose and strike a blow to Wigan's confidence despite a strong attacking threat in the final minutes from Wigan [21]
On 13 December Wigan hosted a Blackburn Rovers side in very poor form and cruised to a 3-0 victory over their North West rivals. Two early goals within two minutes of each other by Heskey and Valencia almost finished the game as a contest after 20 minutes of play with Lee Cattermole eventually ending the game with a third goal for Wigan mid-way through the second half. [22]
On 26 December Wigan were again at home this time against Newcastle United. Newcastle, despite good form coming into the game against Wigan were out of sorts against Wigan and were behind on the scoreboard after 29 minutes with a superb 30-yard free kick from Ryan Taylor beating Shay Given. The second half had Newcastle offering little more than in the first half and things got worse for the North East outfit when Sebastien Bassong upended Amr Zaki in the penalty area and was given a red card with the penalty being converted by Zaki moments later. Newcastle did get a penalty of their own after a Chris Kirkland took Andrew Carroll out in the penalty box and Danny Guthrie added a consolation prize at the end of a lacklustre performance. [23]
On 28 December Wigan travelled the short distance to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton Wanderers. Due to the significance of the game, being both a derby and a potential six-point fixture tempers were heated and a lot of heavy tackles were used with several yellow cards being shown. Wigan did get the opening goal from the penalty spot after Andy O'Brien had fouled Amr Zaki in the box just before half time which put Wigan ahead. Bolton then pressed for an equaliser and had the ball cleared off the line at one point during the game but could not find an equaliser and Wigan went home with all three points. [24]
[edit] January 2009
Wigan's first game of the new year came on 2 January in an FA Cup third round clash at White Hart Lane against Tottenham Hotspur. Wigan played a much weaker side than they had been playing in the Premiership upto now and it showed with Spurs dominating the game and running out comfortable 3-1 winners. Roman Pavlyuchenko opened the scoring for Spurs just inside the second half from the penalty spot after Wigan goalkeeper Richard Kingson fouled Fraizer Campbell. A long range shot from Jamie O'Hara bounced back off the woodwork at straight to Luka Modric who doubled Spurs advantage mid-way through the second half. Wigan did fight back and earned themselves a goal through Henri Camara two minutes from time and pressed forward but were caught on the counter by Pavlyuchenko who added a third in stoppage time to knock Wigan out of the cup at the first hurdle. [25]
On 11 January Wigan had a return match in the Premiership against Tottenham, only this time it was at the JJB Stadium. Wigan dominated the game for almost the full 90 minutes and were comfortable with Spurs' attacking strategies and their hard work and endeavour paid off when Maynor Figueroa popped up with a header in the final minute to give Wigan a well deserved 1-0 victory. [26]
On 12 January Wigan announced a successful work permit application to allow Colombian international Hugo Rodallega join Wigan during the transfer window. [27]
On 14 January Wigan travelled to Old Trafford to face current Champions Manchester United in a re-scheduled game. Wigan were caught cold in the opening minute of the game when Cristiano Ronaldo broke away down the right hand flank and crossed a ball for Wayne Rooney to score with. Despite heavy pressure from Manchester United in the first half Wigan's defence remained strong and the second half saw Wigan dominate the champions and have a penalty claim harshly denied by referee Steve Bennett but Wigan could not take their opportunities and United held on to claim victory. [28]. Wigan had also announced that they had rejected a bid for midfielder Wilson Palacios from Tottenham Hotspur worth £10,000,000 and have asked Spurs to increase their offer. [29] Tottenham returned with an improved offer of £14,000,000 which was reportedly accepted by the Wigan club. The deal however has been held up after a disagreement over the payment of transfer fees which has led to another club being interested in Palacios, reportedly Manchester City. [30]
On 15 January it was announced that left-sided midfielder Kevin Kilbane had left Wigan to join Hull City for an undisclosed amount after Hull's long publicised interest in the player [31]
On 17 January Wigan travelled to the City of Manchester Stadium to face Manchester City. Manchester City were the more controlled side during the first half but had opportunities on goal wasted. Wigan came out more spirited in the second period but conceded an early second half goal to Pablo Zabaleta. City's good position was rocked only a few minutes later after the dismissal of Richard Dunne for a kick at grounded Wigan striker Amr Zaki. Wigan began to dominate proceedings from this point but could not find the finishing touch and even had Zaki miss an open goal five minutes before time and had a penalty decision ruled against them as City held on for victory and inflict back to back defeats on Wigan for the first time since October. [32]
On 21 January Wigan and Tottenham agreed terms on the transfer of Wilson Palacios for £12,000,000. [33]
On 22 January Wigan announced the loan signing of Egyptian striker Mido from Middlesbrough on loan for six months with Wigan's Marlon King moving in the opposite direction. [34]
On 23 January Emile Heskey agreed terms and signed for Aston Villa in a deal worth £3.5M [35]
On 28 January Wigan hosted Premiership challengers Liverpool at the JJB Stadium. Liverpool began the game strongly and were awarded with a goal on the stroke of half time by Yossi Benayoun. Wigan performed valiantly throughout the second half and controlled the midfield better than Liverpool and were awarded a penalty six minutes from the end of the game, which was converted by Mido who was scoring on his debut for Wigan. Hugo Rodallega had a superb chance to win the game later on for Wigan crashing a free kick against the bar but the game ended level. [36]
On 31 January Wigan travelled to Villa Park to face Aston Villa. In a game dominated by Aston Villa Wigan's strong defence held the onslaught from Villa out for the whole game [37]
[edit] February 2009
On 2 February it was announced that Henri Camara would join Stoke City on loan until the end of the season. [38]
[edit] Players
- As of 26 January 2009.[39]
[edit] Current squad
|
|
[edit] Out on loan
|
[edit] 2008 Fixtures
[edit] Fixtures/Results
[edit] Current league table
| P |
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Pts |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 31 | 22 | 5 | 4 | 54 | 21 | +33 | 71 | UEFA Champions League 2009–10 Group stage |
| 2 | Liverpool | 32 | 20 | 10 | 2 | 59 | 21 | +38 | 70 | |
| 3 | Chelsea | 32 | 20 | 7 | 5 | 55 | 20 | +35 | 67 | |
| 4 | Arsenal | 32 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 54 | 28 | +26 | 61 | UEFA Champions League 2009–10 Play-off round |
| 5 | Aston Villa | 33 | 15 | 9 | 9 | 49 | 43 | +6 | 54 | UEFA Europa League 2009–10 Play-off round |
| 6 | Everton | 32 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 47 | 34 | +13 | 52 | |
| 7 | West Ham United | 33 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 38 | 37 | +1 | 45 | UEFA Europa League 2009–10 Third qualifying round |
| 8 | Fulham | 33 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 33 | 28 | +5 | 44 | |
| 9 | Tottenham Hotspur | 32 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 38 | 36 | +2 | 41 | |
| 10 | Wigan Athletic | 32 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 31 | 36 | −5 | 41 | |
| 11 | Stoke City | 33 | 10 | 9 | 14 | 33 | 48 | −15 | 39 | |
| 12 | Manchester City | 32 | 11 | 5 | 16 | 47 | 42 | +5 | 38 | |
| 13 | Bolton Wanderers | 33 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 39 | 50 | −11 | 37 | |
| 14 | Portsmouth | 32 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 48 | −13 | 37 | |
| 15 | Sunderland | 33 | 9 | 8 | 16 | 31 | 43 | −12 | 35 | |
| 16 | Hull City | 33 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 36 | 56 | −20 | 34 | |
| 17 | Blackburn Rovers | 33 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 35 | 55 | −20 | 34 | |
| 18 | Middlesbrough | 33 | 7 | 10 | 16 | 25 | 47 | −22 | 31 | Relegation to Football League Championship 2009–10 |
| 19 | Newcastle United | 32 | 6 | 12 | 14 | 37 | 52 | −15 | 30 | |
| 20 | West Bromwich Albion | 32 | 6 | 7 | 19 | 28 | 59 | −31 | 25 |
Updated to games played on 18 April 2009
Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1st points; 2nd goal difference; 3rd goals scored.
More about European qualification:
a. The sixth-placed team will qualify for the UEFA Europa League because League Cup winners Manchester United will qualify for UEFA Champions League;
b. The seventh-placed team will qualify for the UEFA Europa League if League Cup winners Manchester United and the FA Cup winners finish sixth or higher;
c. A further place in the UEFA Europa League is available via the Fair Play initiative. If the Premier League has one of the three highest Fair Play rankings in Europe, and an average Fair Play score of eight or greater, then the highest ranked team in the Premier League Fair Play standings not already qualified for Europe will automatically qualify for the UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round.[40]
For further information on European qualification see Premier League - Competition.
P = Position; Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points;
(C) = Champion; (R) = Relegated; (P) = Promoted; (Q) = Qualified to respective phase of tournament; (O) = Play-off winner; (A) = Advances to a further round.
[edit] References
- ^ Amr Zaki seals Wigan switch
- ^ Wigan Hit Tykes For Six
- ^ Deano double for Hammers
- ^ Deco fires Blues top
- ^ Wigan ease through
- ^ Five-Star Wigan Maul Tigers
- ^ Wigan fight back to earn draw
- ^ Latics Seal Kingston Deal
- ^ Latics in Spurs Stalemate
- ^ Latics stun City at JJB
- ^ Last-gasp Boro win at JJB
- ^ Kuyt inspires Reds revival
- ^ Latics pay the penalty
- ^ Centurion Johnson downs Latics
- ^ Heskey steals win for Wigan
- ^ Potters earn battling point
- ^ Vela too hot for Wigan
- ^ Toon and Wigan share spoils
- ^ Camara strike lifts Latics
- ^ Baggies blunders gifts Wigan win
- ^ Gunners hold on for victory
- ^ Ince on edge after Wigan woe
- ^ Latics march past Magpies
- ^ Wigan take derby spoils
- ^ Roman sends Spurs through
- ^ Match Facts
- ^ Wigan secure Rodallega permit
- ^ Match Facts
- ^ Latics reject Palacios offer
- ^ Wigan: Tottenham have competition to sign Palacios
- ^ Kilbane seals Tigers switch
- ^ 10-man City overcome Latics
- ^ Tottenham agree deal for Palacios
- ^ Wigan's King makes Boro loan move
- ^ Villa sign England striker Heskey
- ^ Late penalty earns draw as new boys Mido and Rodallega shine at JJB
- ^ Fine display earns great result at Villa Park
- ^ Camara Clicks Shut
- ^ "1st Team". Wigan Athletic F.C.. http://www.wiganlatics.premiumtv.co.uk/page/ProfilesDetail/0,,10429,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
- ^ "Norway lead Respect Fair Play league". uefa.com (Union of European Football Associations). 26 January 2009. http://www.uefa.com/uefa/keytopics/kind=8/newsid=795065.html. Retrieved on 12 April 2009.
[edit] External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Wigan Athletic F.C. |
- Official website
- Wigan Athletic at the Open Directory Project
- Wigan Athletic F.C. season 2008–09 on BBC Sport: Club News – Recent results – Upcoming fixtures – Club stats
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
