Wigan Athletic: Five things we learned from Huddersfield (a)

1 Like we've never been away! The record books will show Saturday's 2-0 victory at Huddersfield continued a fine sequence of results that means Latics have won four and drawn three of their last seven fixtures - with five clean sheets on the spin. What needs qualifying is the 15-week break between matches six and seven...which you'd never have noticed, such was the polished nature of the performance. We've already seen plenty of teams struggling to adjust to the different landscape of behind-closed-doors football. That Latics were able to hit the ground running in the circumstances is massive credit to the attitude of the players - and the motivational skills of the management team. Perhaps Latics have an unfair advantage in the run-in...given they're used to playing in front of no spectators...badumtish (joke credit: social media accounts run by 15-year-old saddos).

2 It's football...but not as we know it! While great to see Latics pick up where they left off, there wasn't much else recognisable from the return to football. Paul Cook admitted after the game - during his socially-distanced 'Zoom' press conference - the experience had been totally unenjoyable, despite the obvious satisfaction from the result. Reaction from the fans watching at home was largely positive, although that was probably aided by it being such an entertaining watch. To quote Cook again, 'it is what it is' - for the time being. But let's hope it's not too long before fans are allowed back into games, because it all felt a bit like supping alcohol-free beer, or scoffing meat-free sausage rolls. A pale imitation of the real thing.

3 Fantastic Mr Fox! A fifth clean sheet shows everything's in order at the back, but it was a much-changed backline to the one that took to the field against Luton on March 7. Antonee Robinson slotted back in effortlessly at left-back after receiving the all-clear from the medical department, but it was the return of centre-half Danny Fox that was most impressive. The 34-year-old has been plagued by injuries since joining Latics from Nottingham Forest in January 2019, indeed this was his first start since the defeat at QPR last August. But the way he played alongside Cedric Kipre underlined his quality and composure. Latics didn't miss Leon Balogun one bit - the biggest compliment you can pay to the former Scotland international.

4 Strength in depth! In addition to Balogun, the team sheet on Saturday was also missing the names of Chey Dunkley, Alex Dobre, Gavin Massey, Dujon Sterling and Gary Roberts, who were all injured according to the club. That the side could put in such an accomplished display with so much talent on the sidelines underlines the quality in the squad. The manager admitted at the start of the campaign that, following the loss of Reece James and Nick Powell, his first choice XI wasn't as strong as last season. But he also insisted the squad as a whole was much stronger, and that has been borne out over time. Latics are five points ahead of where they were at this stage last term and, given the form they're in, look very capable of bettering the 52-point tally - which was Cook's stated goal.

5 Wiganers everywhere! The relegation dogfight promises to go all the way to the wire, and Stoke, Luton and Charlton all picked up big results as they also bid to beat the drop. Unfortunately for Latics, Nick Powell and Callum McManaman did their former club no favours with priceless last-gasp equalisers against Reading and Preston respectively. Although Jason Pearce's goal lifted Charlton out of the bottom three, it came at the expense of Hull, who suddenly look to be the side most likely to occupy the third relegation spot. Latics also have still to play Stoke, Charlton and Hull - meaning their survival fate remains well and truly in their own hands.