Wigan Athletic: How they rated v Queens Park Rangers

Paul Kendrick runs the rule over the Wigan Athletic side that deservedly beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 and delivers his report card...
Danny Fox and Leon Clarke were impressive on debutDanny Fox and Leon Clarke were impressive on debut
Danny Fox and Leon Clarke were impressive on debut

Wigan Athletic (4-2-3-1):

Jamie Jones: 7 - A couple of vital saves, although one came after a rare handling error, in another generally good display.

Nathan Byrne: 7 - Switched to right-back in the reshuffle but got forward at every opportunity to support the attack.

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Cedric Kipre: 6 - Given a tough time by the Rangers frontline and perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow late on when caught the wrong side.

Danny Fox: 8 - Handed the captain’s armband on debut and brought an immediate calmness to the backline, looks a cracking signing on first look.

Kal Naismith: 6 - Growing into the left-back role although, by his own admission, didn’t make the most of crossing opportunities that are usually his forte.

Lee Evans: 7 - Senior figure in the new-look engine room, spread the ball around as well as getting stuck in.

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Reece James: 8 - First start in the midfield and looked like he’d played there for years, frightening how good this kid could be when he matures.

Anthony Pilkington: 7 - Couple of jaw-dropping moments of skill that underline his Premier credentials, even more to come when he gets fully match fit.

Josh Windass: 8 - Showed great composure to open the scoring and looks to be growing into this role in the absence of Nick Powell.

Michael Jacobs: 7 - Welcome addition back to the side after injury, adds creativity and a work ethic.

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*Leon Clarke: 8 - Marked his second ‘debut’ for Latics with an assist and the match-winning goal - and has already pinched the famous ‘Will Grigg’ chant!*

Subs:

Joe Garner (for Clarke, 76): 6 - Took over from Clarke and was his usual nuisance without threatening the goal.

Darron Gibson (for Pilkington, 77): 5 - Not an ideal time of the game to come on and struggled to get going.

Chey Dunkley (for Fox, 79): 6 - Squeezed out of the side to accommodate Fox but stood up to be counted in a frenzied finale.

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Subs not used: Christian Walton, Beni Baningime, Callum McManaman, Gary Roberts.

Star Man: Leon Clarke

QPR: Lumley; Furlong, Leistner, Lynch, Bidwell; Wszolek, Scowen, Luongo, Freeman; Eze, Wells.

Subs: Ingram, Hall, Cousins, Manning (for Luongo, 88), Smith (for Eze, 63), Samuel (for Wszolek, 46), Kakay.

Shots on target: 3-5

Shots off target: 1-7

Corners: 3-6

Possession (%): 44-56

Fouls conceded: 11-12

Yellow cards: 3-1

Red cards: 0-0

Attendance: 9,799

Referee: Scott Duncan