It was a match of no-match if purely looking at the league
position of Wigan and Everton prior to the game. However, each team dominated half of the game
and a draw seemed to be a fair result. Martinez would have thought they
deserved all three points, but his failure to react to increasing pressure on
the defence may have cost them two points.
Roberto Martinez played the usual 3-4-3 formation with a
simple but effective counter attack plan. With the less mobile Jelavic as the
lone striker, the right centerback was able to help the slightly less
adventurous Boyce to contain Everton's threatening left-hand side. The
hardworking Di Santo and Maloney filled in the void in Wigan's midfield and
were the main engines for attack. Di Santo, who returned from injury, was the
main man in the final third. He fuelled Wigan's attack with his energy and
techniques. Not once he released Arouna Kone on the right with brilliant passes
to spark a threat. Kone scored himself while also set one up for Di Santo.
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| Unfortunately Di Santo's delightful performance could not bring Wigan a victory |
Everton could not resolve Wigan's defence in the first half
with their imbalanced squad. Coleman often found himself alone on the right
when going forward. Jelavic's goal, which came with a bit of luck, was the sole
positive talking point for David Moyes at half time. The Scottish manager
showed no rush after interval, but first resolved the defending issues. Substitute
Distin's better positioning and determination made Arouna Kone more or less an
invisible man in the 2nd half. Leighton Baines thus was granted extra freedom
to attack Wigan's right flank.
Leon Osman shifted to the right, while Kevin Mirallas played
just behind Jelavic to try disrupt Wigan's defence. Fellaini dropped to
midfield to help link up defence and attack. Frustration grew when more dubious
decisions were given against Everton, but the exhausted Wigan became less
capable to withstand Toffee's pressure. Al Habsi had done all he could to keep the
score at 2-1. Anichebe could have joined earlier in the match, but he made an
instant impact by troubling Caldwell in the box. Moyes' clever tactical moves,
coupling with Everton's admirable team spirit, earned them a hard-fought point
at JJB stadium.
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| Baines celebrating his goal from penalty spot |
Man of the Match: Leighton Baines. The introduction of
Distin in 2nd half allowed the English fullback to pose constant threats on the left. His
connection with Pienaar, Fellaini and MIrallas constantly exerted pressure and
had finally exploited Wigan's defence, despite a solid performance by Boyce.
The calmly, though bravely, converted penalty concluded Baines' sensational afternoon.
Flop of the Match: Maynor Figueroa. He was obviously the
weakest link on Saturday afternoon. With little damage caused from Everton's
right flank, the left centreback found himself facing Jelavic often. Pienaar's
misfired shot luckily floated over Figueroa's head to reach Jelavic to level
the score at 1-1, but the defender mis-positioned again in the 2nd half to free
Jelavic for an open shot, only to see his clumsy challenge surprisingly
unspotted by officials. His final highlight of the day was another late tackle
on Mirallas around the penalty spot, although it was Caldwell who brought down
Anichebe that directly gifted the penalty to Toffees.
Official performance: Kevin Friend seemed to be more nervous
than Roberto Martinez when Everton piled on the pressure in the 2nd half. The yellow card was out of his pocket more
than often, as if he was eager to keep the game under his control. He correctly
identified some moments when Everton players were looking for a penalty, but
had also missed a handball and Figueroa's tackle on Jelavic in the box.
Overall, it was a less than friendly and below-par match for Kevin Friend.
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