What Have We Learnt So Far This Season

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