One game down, already 3 points ahead of Spurs, and a striker who is genuinely capable of pushing for an England place.

A scrappy affair that at times was encouraging to watch and at times had “so remind me, why did I renew my season ticket?” written all over it.

We were very quickly out of the blocks, Dean Ashton opening his account for the season with a very well taken goal. The second, and Ashton’s second, wasn’t far behind. It had shades of an offside about it, but make sure you try and watch it on MOTD tonight because as far as tap-ins go, it was very classy.

Perfect start really! It had the fans going and the players looked sharp. The ball was getting knocked about quickly and we had plenty of opportunities…obviously Ashton was significant, but special mentions also to Matty and Faubert. It was so refreshing to once again see a genuine attacking threat down both sides of the pitch…I would just like to see more made out of all their running. So important that they both stay fit.

My main concerns from the outset though was playing Lucas Neill at left back, and the apparent apprehensiveness of Behrami down the right. But I will get onto that later. And also some very noticeable blocks of empty seats….but that’s what you get if you play horrendously boring football for a whole season.

The first half concluded with us looking by far the better of the teams but really needing to further our lead.

Second half….different kettle of fish. Very.

We came out having left 11 sets of brains in the dressing room. A mere 2.5 mins into the second half saw Wigan firmly secure themselves back in the game. I think a universal sigh of “here we go again” was moaned around the ground. At least for the fans who were back from getting their pint.

Just a quick point: new stadium announcer. He just about remembered to play bubbles at the beginning of the game. He didn’t play bubbles as the players came out for the second half. And he didn’t play it at the end of the game. Someone needs to tell him he should probably borrow a copy from Jeremy.

Unfortunately Wigan’s goal set the tone for the entire second half. We were constantly under pressure and they really should have made more of the possesion that they had.

Lucas Neill look very poor at left back and his concentration seemed to get worse as the half continued. He was playing some awful balls, he wasn’t tracking runs and generally did not look at the races…until he had a chance to play a few mins at right back nearer the end of the game. As for Behrami, he looked far more comfortable playing as a right winger when Faubert was taken off after what was unfortunately a pretty shaky debut for the Swiss international.

All things considered, we are in the same situation as we was before the game, except with 3 more points….we need to bring in some new faces, namely a dedicated left back and another striker (although Sears looked very positive when he came on for the INJURED Dean Ashton. Hopefully that’s not too bad). Curbishley did seem to have the players far more attack minded and at times in the first half we broke with pace and intention. Something that was considerably missed last year.

I am excited about the new season again as I saw glimpses today of how we can play, here’s to hoping for not too many more injuries!

Starting Line-Up:
Green, Neill, Upson, Davenport, Behrami, Faubert, Parker, Noble, Etherington, Ashton, Cole

Compare that team to the team that you wanted to see, CLICK HERE

I will have a proper think about the game and maybe come back with some more tomorrow!

Sam

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