Wigan Athletic: How they rated v Sheffield United

Paul Kendrick runs the rule over the Wigan Athletic side that lost 4-2 at Sheffield United and delivers his report card...
Josh WindassJosh Windass
Josh Windass

Wigan Athletic (4-2-3-1)

Christian Walton: 6 - Left hopelessly exposed by all of the goals, certainly not to blame for the defeat.

Reece James: 7 - Not quite up to his usual standards but still top end of the side...which says a lot about his ‘usual standards’.

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Chey Dunkley: 5 - Unfortunate role in the Blades opener, and had a tough afternoon against three quality opposition forwards.

Dan Burn: 5 - First appearance of the season in his ‘usual’ centre-back role and not one he’ll look back on with fondness.

Antonee Robinson: 5 - Restored to the starting line-up but didn’t find it easy and was mostly on the back foot.

Sam Morsy: 6 - Not at his most assured in unfamiliar company in midfield but usual tigerish presence in the tackle.

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Callum Connolly: 5 - Deputised in the absence of the suspended Gibson and the ineligible Evans but didn’t have the most productive afternoon.

Nathan Byrne: 6 - Asked a few questions going forward and again proved his versatility, crossing caused a threat.

Nick Powell: 6 - More emphasis on him in the absence of so many attacking options and did okay until injury curtailed his involvement.

Gary Roberts: 6 - Cut down by the hamstring curse before half-time, although tested the keeper with fine free-kick before his withdrawal.

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* Josh Windass: 7 - Bounced back well from his penalty disappointment in midweek at Millwall, created the second goal for Garner and caused many problems. *

Subs used:

Kal Naismith (for Roberts, 36): 6 - Repaid the manager’s faith within two minutes of coming on but involved in a couple of Blades goals.

Joe Garner (for Connolly, 58): 7 - Big chance for him with so many injuries and timely afternoon to open his account for the club.

Callum McManaman (for Powell, 67): 6 - Offered a threat out wide and got himself into some decent positions.

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Subs not used: Jamie Jones, Cedric Kipre, Leonardo Da Silva Lopes, James Vaughan.

Star Man: Josh Windass

Sheffield United (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Basham, Stearman, O’Connell; Freeman, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Sharp, Clarke; McGoldrick.

Subs: Baldock, Woodburn, Coutts (for McGoldrick, 62), Johnson, Moore, Crainie, Washington (for Sharp, 88).

Shots on target: 4-7

Shots off target: 4-5

Corners: 6-11

Possession (%): 51-49

Fouls conceded: 15-12

Yellow cards: 3-2

Red cards: 0-0

Attendance: 24,429

Referee: T Harrington