Wigan vs Sheffield Utd 12/16

After a second half performance to lift the spirits against Villa, it was vital to get off to a good start in this tough game. And they did. Right off the bat Gillespie won two balls in the air, which was more than he'd accomplished in the 90 minutes last match. It helped set a tone.

Davis was back partnering Morgan in defense -- has to be a good move. Tonge back in midfield, with Bromby and Montgomery making way.

Wigan 0 Sheffield Utd 1

Kenny – Clean sheet, and saved the hide of Kozluk, blocking Kilbane's shot after the full-back screwed the pooch getting out of defense. Good saves from long shots, and positively coming out for catches when the jitters were evident at the end helped the cause. Best performance for a while. 8/10.

Geary – Tenacious in every challenge. I'm sure he'll come unstuck against more skillful opposition, but got something in the way when challenged throughout this 90 minutes. Like his attitude, and the fact that if his feet, size or speed let him down, he'll just throw his entire body in harm's way to make a stop. 7/10

Kozluk – But for the one glaring error -- bet his ears are still ringing -- when he gifted Kilbane the ball and a free route to goal, was solid and always dangerous. Gillespie's better performance allowed him a little more freedom, and that's got to be something to work on. 6/10.

Morgan – Man mountain! Took a sweet right-hook to the eye and still shook the fella's hand. Easier to do when you win, but Morgan has been playing above himself, and that's allowed Jags to play in midfield where he can be most effective. As a piece in the current puzzle, Morgan is critical right now. 8/10.

Davis – If only his positioning was good enough that he didn't need to make great desperation tackles... Although clearly flagging when under siege towards the end, played a terrific game coming back from injury. 7/10.

Jagielka – Hustled, bustled, harried, and played a few good balls on the rare occasion he got a chance to put his foot on the ball. Needs to calm down on the shooting from 35 yards. But marshalling midfield with increasing confidence over this good run that will hopefully make him more effective against the top-of-the-table teams. 7/10.

Tonge – Good contribution until running out of gas. Played the best ball of the match to Gillespie to split the defense and create a good chance. Would just love to see more of that, and with match fitness, that could come... it needs to. 6/10.

Quinn – Is more skillful on the ball than I imagined, but his size is a problem; was knocked off the ball pretty easily in situations where he could and should have been more of a nuisance. Still, kid's young, he played well enough, but shouldn't start if Armstrong is fit. 5/10.

Gillespie – Actually turned up and looked like a veteran pro takin gresponsibility among a gaggle of Premiership virgins. Beautiful control on the ball from Tonge that he took to the area and fired a stinging shot. Work rate throughout was excellent. 7/10.

Hulse – Scoring the winner goes a long way to earning the plaudits. A better game from him, and an excellent finish. Still needs to stay on his feet longer. 7/10.

Webber – Spent most of the game complaining to the ref about one thing or another. Hasn't adapted to the pace or requirements of the Premier League yet. Undoubtedly one of the most talented and skillful players on the pitch when he's on, but has yet to show awareness and understanding with his strike partner... or anyone else. 5/10.

Ragged defending at the end helped us hang on and get the three points that were fully deserved. Great to see we could put a battling performance together for a full 90 minutes. The Blades are staying up... perhaps.