What have we learnt so far?
With the first international break
of the 2018/19 campaign upon us the opportunity is here to take stock and see if
our preseason expectations have been met.
PWU Podcast panel member Simon
Gregory takes a look at how things have unfolded so far for the Latics:
Nobody realistically expected the
Latics to be the top of the league or even challenging the top six with the
games that were given to us prior to the season starting. Sheffield Wednesday,
Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Stoke City, QPR and Rotherham aren't the
easiest of games but 10 points isn't a bad return.
It is felt by many that the game
at Villa Park should have perhaps yielded a point, if not 3 but realistically the
Latics had really set their stall out and their intentions for the season. The
intensity that the Latics have played with has been refreshing compared to that
season under, well lets not name him, and it has been great to see the likes of
Grigg, Jacobs and Massey really make the step up this time around.
We are all aware of the talents of
Nick Powell and he certainly hasn't disappointed. His
confidence and skill has allowed other to shine around him and his performances
have had the pundits, fans and managers once again singing the praises of
Powell.
The will he, won’t he saga of signing a new contract will rumble on
until the new owners roll into town, but one thing is for sure is that Powell
is loving his time at Wigan.
The refreshing thing this season
is that, yes there have been a number of new signings, but these have been
quality signings. Robinson from Everton and James from Chelsea have brought two
different options at left and right back respectively. Robinson has brought
pace and a will to go forward, take players on and pin opposition back. James
has brought an old head on young shoulders. Not afraid to tackle and a great
ball player. The management have been excellent in their business this season.
Two games that stand out in the
opening exchanges of the season. Villa and Stoke.
As mentioned above the Tics
were unlucky not to gain a point if not all three but at Stoke the Latics got
out of first gear and showed the former Premier League outfit what life in the
Championship is really like. Passion, team work and a high work ethic saw the
Latics dismantle the preseason favourites in their own back yard and in some
fashion too!
So, what have we learnt? The
Latics are up for the fight. They can more than compete in this league. Grigg
can score in this league. Powell is the best out house in this league. We have
the best fans.
The future, well the same vein of
form and intensity will see the Latics doing just fine. Bring on the next
international break where we can see how things have gone.
UP THE TICS!
Simon Gregory
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