Shane Long put West Brom ahead but Arouna Kone headed Wigan level before the interval. Gareth McAuley restored the Baggies' lead but Wigan were back on terms again when James McArthur headed in moments after coming on as substitute.They played with the poise of a team well-versed in these high pressure situations - which they are - and have increased the pressure on those around them as the season draws to its conclusion. It persuaded Wigan boss Martinez to make a double change, sending on McArthur and Roman Golobart for Ronnie Stam and Jordi Gomez. The change brought results within seconds as McArthur stretched to score with a diving far-post header from Maloney's cross.Wigan manager Roberto Martinez knew only three points would suffice as his side battle once more to avoid the drop into the Championship - and the decisive goal came 10 minutes from time when the outstanding Shaun Maloney set up McManaman from close range.The dangerous Kone brought a low diving save from keeper Ben Foster but Albion struck first to take the lead in the 29th minute when Markus Rosenberg showed a fine turn of pace to cross for Long to apply a comfortable finish.They survived a scare deep into five minutes of injury time when McArthur headed off the line from McAuley but it was not long before Wigan's fans were celebrating.Maloney drifted a delicate free-kick inches wide but Wigan were soon level. Referee Lee Probert played a superb advantage after Maloney had been flattened by Billy Jones - a challenge that eventually brought a booking - allowing Beausejour to cross for Kone to score with a towering header.An injury to Jean Beausejour, who was taken off on a stretcher with the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley only a week away, was the only black spot on a fine day for Martinez and his team.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Wigan Athletic a vital victory
Shane Long put West Brom ahead but Arouna Kone headed Wigan level before the interval. Gareth McAuley restored the Baggies' lead but Wigan were back on terms again when James McArthur headed in moments after coming on as substitute.They played with the poise of a team well-versed in these high pressure situations - which they are - and have increased the pressure on those around them as the season draws to its conclusion. It persuaded Wigan boss Martinez to make a double change, sending on McArthur and Roman Golobart for Ronnie Stam and Jordi Gomez. The change brought results within seconds as McArthur stretched to score with a diving far-post header from Maloney's cross.Wigan manager Roberto Martinez knew only three points would suffice as his side battle once more to avoid the drop into the Championship - and the decisive goal came 10 minutes from time when the outstanding Shaun Maloney set up McManaman from close range.The dangerous Kone brought a low diving save from keeper Ben Foster but Albion struck first to take the lead in the 29th minute when Markus Rosenberg showed a fine turn of pace to cross for Long to apply a comfortable finish.They survived a scare deep into five minutes of injury time when McArthur headed off the line from McAuley but it was not long before Wigan's fans were celebrating.Maloney drifted a delicate free-kick inches wide but Wigan were soon level. Referee Lee Probert played a superb advantage after Maloney had been flattened by Billy Jones - a challenge that eventually brought a booking - allowing Beausejour to cross for Kone to score with a towering header.An injury to Jean Beausejour, who was taken off on a stretcher with the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley only a week away, was the only black spot on a fine day for Martinez and his team.
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