MATCHWATCH : Wigan Athletic (h)

[The Cap]

Yes liked Camara today. End product was a bit off but lots of good stuff. He looks a lot stronger and bigger than last I saw him. Bit like Elliott and Savage.

I thought Dorsett was excellent as well.

Dim got it right today (unusually) that we look fitter and stronger across the board this season.

Had to laugh in Tellor's post match interview when he tried to press Charlie boy on the new owner situation. "I might get in trouble" was the lad's response. Classic

[Hound]

Totally outclassed them today. Wigan looked surprisingly awful, barely string two passes together

We definitely eased right off at 2-0 but never really looked liked conceding. Then last ten we decided to put some energy again and could and should have scored a couple more

Was a bit like an exhibition match towards the end, cutting through them at will

We took decent. Kelv E superb as was the back 4. Elliot starting to look the player we know he can be. A couple more to boost up the squad and if Wigan are an average side we can def look to top ten minimum

It'll be interesting to see how we cope against some proper cloggers.

Brum and Wigan have both tried to play (not very successfully) and been fairly open.

Some of the more agricultural sides will play in a completely different way. Bypassing midfield, very physical etc.

Azeez and Ehibhatiomhan on the flanks must be one of the best pairs of wingers in this division though.

Camara played very well imo. The crucial goal making bits didn't come off, but he works his arse off, plays tidy football. Just needs to get those first couple of assists/goals and chill out a bit.

Agree - the first agricultural side we play is next week.

I saw 20 mins of Wrexham in the week when it was half time in our game - they played pretty much like Parky's Bradford and Bolton sides, very physical and the ball constantly lumped forward.

Think we’ll be fine. Mbengue and the excellent Bindon can cope with the physical. Dorsett is not going to get bullied by anyone, whilst Craig and Wing are intelligent footballers who are physical enough

Don’t really fear playing the agricultural sides at all, though would be even more comfortable if an when Yiadom is back fit

[Clyde1998]

Surprised Camara is getting praised, as I thought he was the weak link. Lost the ball easily several times, poor first touch on a number of occasions, and some poor decision making. Should have at least got his first half chance on target and tried a through ball when he should've had a shot in the second half.

I'm hoping for big things from him this season, so hoping he will improve.

I was surprised Azeez came on for Ehib, as I fully expected Camara to be replaced.

It may have been because we were 2-0 up and Selles wanted to give Camara a bit more match experience; Camara looked tired prior to that change too.

[Royal_jimmy]

It'll be interesting to see how we cope against some proper cloggers.

Brum and Wigan have both tried to play (not very successfully) and been fairly open.

Some of the more agricultural sides will play in a completely different way. Bypassing midfield, very physical etc.

Azeez and Ehibhatiomhan on the flanks must be one of the best pairs of wingers in this division though.

Camara played very well imo. The crucial goal making bits didn't come off, but he works his arse off, plays tidy football. Just needs to get those first couple of assists/goals and chill out a bit.

Agree - the first agricultural side we play is next week.

I saw 20 mins of Wrexham in the week when it was half time in our game - they played pretty much like Parky's Bradford and Bolton sides, very physical and the ball constantly lumped forward.

Think we’ll be fine. Mbengue and the excellent Bindon can cope with the physical. Dorsett is not going to get bullied by anyone, whilst Craig and Wing are intelligent footballers who are physical enough

Don’t really fear playing the agricultural sides at all, though would be even more comfortable if an when Yiadom is back fit

Wrexham are nothing to fear at all. They deserve respect and will be a difficult opponent but we're capable of going up there and winning

[Royal_jimmy]

I was impressed with how dominant we were. There were a few moments when they had their entire team in the box

[PieEater]

i thought that was a pretty comfortable home win, the second goal made all the difference so we weren't hanging on. I thought the whole team seemed to have a cohesion we've not seen for a while, the transfer embargo has helped us keep a settled team who know what they are doing.

Good games from Wifi, Craig and Wing, if this squad can keep fit I think we have a chance this season.

[Snowflake Royal]

It'll be interesting to see how we cope against some proper cloggers.

Brum and Wigan have both tried to play (not very successfully) and been fairly open.

Some of the more agricultural sides will play in a completely different way. Bypassing midfield, very physical etc.

Azeez and Ehibhatiomhan on the flanks must be one of the best pairs of wingers in this division though.

Camara played very well imo. The crucial goal making bits didn't come off, but he works his arse off, plays tidy football. Just needs to get those first couple of assists/goals and chill out a bit.

Agree - the first agricultural side we play is next week.

I saw 20 mins of Wrexham in the week when it was half time in our game - they played pretty much like Parky's Bradford and Bolton sides, very physical and the ball constantly lumped forward.

Think we’ll be fine. Mbengue and the excellent Bindon can cope with the physical. Dorsett is not going to get bullied by anyone, whilst Craig and Wing are intelligent footballers who are physical enough

Don’t really fear playing the agricultural sides at all, though would be even more comfortable if an when Yiadom is back fit

I was thinking more about how well our attack will cope. Our defence is fairly solid, but there's always that one mistake that can undo you.

Will we struggle to create though.

[Snowflake Royal]

Surprised Camara is getting praised, as I thought he was the weak link. Lost the ball easily several times, poor first touch on a number of occasions, and some poor decision making. Should have at least got his first half chance on target and tried a through ball when he should've had a shot in the second half.

I'm hoping for big things from him this season, so hoping he will improve.

I was surprised Azeez came on for Ehib, as I fully expected Camara to be replaced.

It may have been because we were 2-0 up and Selles wanted to give Camara a bit more match experience; Camara looked tired prior to that change too.

The 5 or 10 minutes before the goal Kelvin had a sprint in attack, and then basically did nothing but amble about, leaving Dorsett to get completely exposed and doubled up on. And we were really under the cosh.

I think it was tactical, because Selles knew he could rely on Camara to put the running and hassling in, which Kelvin sometimes doesn't do.

[Gunny Fishcake]

Great win , good team performance, sat back a bit too much second but overall well happy. That light at the end of that very long tunnel is just starting to glimmer.

[Hound]

Surprised Camara is getting praised, as I thought he was the weak link. Lost the ball easily several times, poor first touch on a number of occasions, and some poor decision making. Should have at least got his first half chance on target and tried a through ball when he should've had a shot in the second half.

I'm hoping for big things from him this season, so hoping he will improve.

I was surprised Azeez came on for Ehib, as I fully expected Camara to be replaced.

It may have been because we were 2-0 up and Selles wanted to give Camara a bit more match experience; Camara looked tired prior to that change too.

The 5 or 10 minutes before the goal Kelvin had a sprint in attack, and then basically did nothing but amble about, leaving Dorsett to get completely exposed and doubled up on. And we were really under the cosh.

I think it was tactical, because Selles knew he could rely on Camara to put the running and hassling in, which Kelvin sometimes doesn't do.

Did wonder if Kelv had a slight knock. When he is at his best he is an excellent presser, definitely something he has added to his game since this time last year

[Royal_jimmy]

Think we’ll be fine. Mbengue and the excellent Bindon can cope with the physical. Dorsett is not going to get bullied by anyone, whilst Craig and Wing are intelligent footballers who are physical enough

Don’t really fear playing the agricultural sides at all, though would be even more comfortable if an when Yiadom is back fit

Wrexham are nothing to fear at all. They deserve respect and will be a difficult opponent but we're capable of going up there and winning

At your peril, Wrexham will be a really tough test we will be lucky to come away with a point. I can see Wrexham at least making the playoffs.

I can't. I don't overly rate Phil Parkinson as anymore than a show pony manager. Wrexham will bin him off sooner or later.

Besides you can only beat who's in front of you. Regardless of how good or poor Wigan were.

[Crowbar6753]

Think we’ll be fine. Mbengue and the excellent Bindon can cope with the physical. Dorsett is not going to get bullied by anyone, whilst Craig and Wing are intelligent footballers who are physical enough

Don’t really fear playing the agricultural sides at all, though would be even more comfortable if an when Yiadom is back fit

Wrexham are nothing to fear at all. They deserve respect and will be a difficult opponent but we're capable of going up there and winning

At your peril, Wrexham will be a really tough test we will be lucky to come away with a point. I can see Wrexham at least making the playoffs.

Wrexham will be a tough test and much like the Birmingham game where it was a good time to play them due to the relegation blues along with them fielding a host of new players, Wrexham will be the opposite.....a double promotion bounce plus mostly the same side i think, so a tough time to play them and their fans will be right up for it.
On the other hand, we have a super fit, young hungry well drilled team playing good football and picking up good points!! I actually think we are better suited to playing away from home with our fast paced counter attacking style of play and I'm pretty sure Wrexham will be wary of us also.
An away point will be good and keeps the points ticking over which is all we ask!!

[yuomi]

Just home. Bar the 10 minutes after the second goal (and WiFi being hooked) that was as comfortable a home win as we've seen for a long time. Too many of those sorts of games have got away from us in recent years, from what should have been winning positions. But what i'm really liking from what I've seen so far this season is how much harder we're making it for teams to create chances against us. Brum needed a pen, and we didn't give Wigan much of a sniff today.
Honestly, 2-0 flattered them, and on another day I'd be worrying more about the chances that Smith missed.
All things considered, and with an improving atmosphere as the takeover becomes real, i'm happier about the club than I've been for a long time - and it's great to be able to say that.

[Schmeichel the dog]

(Notwithstanding Wigan being particularly poor….) Tyler Bindon: absolute class act! Honourable mentions too for Michael Craig and the much improved Ben Elliott. Get the sale sorted and with a couple of additional experienced heads to give the squad added depth in key areas, and a few extra hours on the trading pitch practicing how to finish, we have a team to be excited about…..

[Royalcop]

Very comfortable win and great to start the season with a cohesive team of players rather than a group of strangers trying to gel. Worst Wigan team I can ever remember though, no fight or quality in the side and expect they will struggle.

Thought Savage was superb today, all-action and using the ball cleverly to retain possession and then push forward. I also was unimpressed by Camara, looked one-paced and lightweight.

Big Kelv was unplayable at times, though I think to make a push towards the play-offs we’ll need a more reliable finisher than him or SS.

Overall very encouraging and think we’re in for a decent season with this group.

[windermereROYAL]

Somebody said Femi did a lap of honour on his own after the game, I`d already gone. make of it what you will.

[Brogue]

Somebody said Femi did a lap of honour on his own after the game, I`d already gone. make of it what you will.

Yes he did. But I think it was because right after the final whistle he went over to his wife(?) and new born baby first, the other players did their lap and he was just out of sync. But they all seemed together at the end when Mbengue did his usual to 1871.

[RoyalBlue]

Somebody said Femi did a lap of honour on his own after the game, I`d already gone. make of it what you will.

Yes he did. But I think it was because right after the final whistle he went over to his wife(?) and new born baby first, the other players did their lap and he was just out of sync. But they all seemed together at the end when Mbengue did his usual to 1871.

So hopefully people managing to make 5 out of 2+2 again!

What happens in the remaining days of the transfer window will likely create some initial impressions of our new ownership.

[RoyalBlue]

All that with no aseez knibbs or yiadom in the starting lineup.

Kelvin was excellent MOTM

It's fairly easy to see one of the main reasons why our players are improving so much. Selles is quick to praise players' performances but at the same time still encourages further improvement.

In the post match interview he spoke about Kelvin's great performance, commented on how he is improving on his tracking back/recovery runs and defensive duties and said that he did this well for 65 minutes. However, the next step was for him to do that for a full 90 minutes. That also helps explain why he was substituted.

[blythspartan]

I haven’t read through all this so it might have been mentioned already. I thought Elliott was excellent yesterday and he has improved massively since last season. I know it’s still early days, but I am sure Champ clubs will be circling soon.