With West Ham going in to todays game against Wigan expecting to win, they only go and lose it. Not only did they lose it but it was a disappointing loss, this is because it was a gmae that we should have won and would have put us into a nice position, ready for possibly the toughest period of our campaign. This November and December could either make us or break come Christmas as we face all top six clubs in; Man City, Tottenham, Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. The easiest game we probably face during the two months is Reading, but as we know no game is easy for West Ham.
West Ham were outplayed stats wise against Wigan. With Wigan having 54.4% possession as opposed to West Ham’s 46.6%. They also had an 80% successful pass rate whereas West Ham had 73.65%. Some sloppy defending of the corner gave Wigan their first goal, with Ivan Ramis the first name on the scoresheet. To be fair it was a pretty good goal. A left volley from the corner which sailed passed Jussi something he couldn’t save. He was left unmarked as he pulled away to the penalty spot to take his shot. Another defensive error led to the next Wigan goal straight form kick off, this time from James McArthur. It play leading up to the goal involved a cross from Di Santo on the left which fell to Beausejour who then passed the ball to Maloney who passed it into McArthur’s path where he scored from the edge of the six-yard box. They had many other chances throughout the game with Wigan having 7 shots on target. However this is not a great amount of shots which does show how poor West Ham did play today.
The Hammers were not without their chances though. Nolan had his chances but possibly Carroll should have opened his Hammers goal scoring account today. There were many chances for the on loan striker notably on his head where it was either saved or headed wide. There was a huge chance for Carroll in the second half where he won the ball but failed to control it. If he had managed to control it he would have been away and possibly have closed the gap between Wigan and West Ham. Maiga also has a good chance towards the end of the game. The second half substitute for Benayoun used his skill to beat several players but was waiting for a run from Cole that never came and was dispossessed. Tomkins had a good chance that was headed off the line but made up for it minutes later with West Ham’s first goal. His goal came from a McCartney cross which he headed over the line. It was all too late for West Ham though as the game was over in no more than a minute later.
We were under par today and should have taken our chances more. It was almost like the Arsenal game all over again. Wigan were the better team but West Ham still could have done better. Carroll must start to do better if is looking to secure a move to Upton Park as he is still yet to score. It is only a matter of time though. Let’s just hope that today was a one off.