Wigan ease Hammers aside

Wigan enjoyed their second win of the festive period, beating West Ham 2-0.

Wigan Athletic enjoyed their second win of the festive period, with a superb 2-0 victory against West Ham.

Two goals at the end of the first half from Jason Roberts and Henri Camara ensured victory at Upton Park.

After a cagey start from both sides, Wigan created the first chance of the game. A long ball from the back fell to Roberts, who spun easily around James Collins but could only place his shot wide of Roy Carroll's goal.

Wigan created another chance soon after with West Ham's defence in total disarray. A lovely pass from Roberts found Camara, who could not quite find an angle to shoot at goal.

West Ham's first chance fell to Anton Ferdinand on 17 minutes. Matthew Etherington drifted in a corner, and the ball dropped at Ferdinand's feet, but the defender blasted high and wide of the goal.

David Bellion almost made the most of a rare start with a chance on 23 minutes. Smart work by Paul Konchesky down the left created the chance but Bellion's shot was bravely blocked by Leighton Baines.

Wigan continued to look dangerous as they went forward and only a good save from Carroll prevented them taking the lead on 29 minutes. Roberts superbly laid the ball off, and Jimmy Bullard, running from midfield, powered his shot into the corner, only for it to be expertly palmed away by ex-Wigan man Carroll.

However, The Latics did not have to wait long for their first goal. Camara and Roberts had been causing The Hammers' defence problems all night and it was great link up play that broke the deadlock. Camara received a headed pass and slipped the ball to Roberts who finished smartly.

It got even better for Wigan as just two minutes later they doubled their lead with their strikers causing havoc again.

This time, Roberts played provider as he slipped a pass along the 18 yard box to Camara. The Senegalese striker then dummied Collins, before getting a lucky break off Konchesky and finding the back of the net.

West Ham always looked more dangerous when they attacked down the left, and their first chance of the second half came as a result of this. Matthew Etherington and Konchesky combined well to set up Hayden Mullins, whose shot was closed down by Arjan De Zeeuw.

 

De Zeeuw himself had a chance at the other end on 64 minutes, as he headed a Bullard free-kick just wide.

 

West Ham were still looking for a way back into the game, and substitute Bobby Zamora wasted a good chance on 76 minutes. Etherington swung in the corner which the Wigan defence failed to deal with, but Zamora could only head over.

 

With West Ham pushing for a goal, they left gaps at the back, which Camara almost exploited, racing down the edge of the 18 yard box before forcing Carroll to save from an acute angle.

 

The home fans were angry that Roberts was not sent off for two elbows on Collins. However, television replays were inconclusive as to whether there was any intent in his actions.

 

Despite the fact that West Ham were two goals down, they never seriously threatened the Wigan goal. Clear-cut chances were few and far between with the Wigan defence and midfield easily containing The Hammers' threat.

 

Paul Jewell's side now leapfrog Bolton into fifth place, continuing their dream start to their first season in The Premiership.

 
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