On May 15, 2011, Wigan Athletic faced West Ham United in a crucial Premier League match at the DW Stadium. Wigan Athletic secured a dramatic 3-2 victory, a result that confirmed West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Wigan Athletic: 3 (Charles N’Zogbia 57′, 90′, Conor Sammon 68′)
- West Ham United: 2 (Demba Ba 12′, 26′)
- Possession:
- Wigan Athletic had 63% possession, while West Ham United had 37%. Wigan’s dominance in possession allowed them to control the game, particularly in the second half, as they pressed for the goals needed to secure the win.
- Shots:
- Wigan Athletic registered 20 shots, with 7 on target, demonstrating their relentless attacking pressure as they sought to overturn the deficit. West Ham United had 7 shots, with 4 on target, reflecting their early efficiency but inability to sustain their attacking momentum.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Wigan Athletic displayed a high passing accuracy of 82%, completing 487 passes out of 596 attempts. West Ham had a passing accuracy of 65%, completing 207 passes out of 319 attempts. Wigan’s superior ball retention and distribution were key in building their comeback.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Wigan made 15 tackles compared to West Ham’s 18, showing West Ham’s efforts to disrupt Wigan’s play and protect their early lead. Both teams committed 12 fouls, highlighting the intensity and high stakes of the match.
- Set Pieces:
- None of the goals came directly from set pieces. Wigan’s first goal came from open play, with Charles N’Zogbia finishing confidently after a well-worked team move. Conor Sammon’s equalizer was also from open play, as he capitalized on a defensive error. N’Zogbia’s winning goal was a stunning free-kick in the final moments of the match, sealing West Ham’s fate.
- Individual Performances:
- Charles N’Zogbia was the standout player for Wigan Athletic, scoring twice, including the decisive free-kick in the 90th minute. Conor Sammon’s equalizing goal was crucial in keeping Wigan in the match. For West Ham, Demba Ba was the key figure, scoring both of their goals in the first half, but he received little support as Wigan mounted their comeback.
- Tactical Overview:
- Wigan Athletic employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on maintaining possession and using the width to stretch West Ham’s defense. West Ham United used a 4-4-2 formation, aiming to be solid defensively and hit Wigan on the counter-attack. However, Wigan’s tactical adjustments in the second half, including increasing their attacking intensity, were key to their victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, one for Wigan Athletic (Antolín Alcaraz 74′) and two for West Ham United (James Tomkins 51′, Thomas Hitzlsperger 75′). The fouls were mostly tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing the opposition from gaining momentum.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Wigan Athletic won 8 corners compared to West Ham’s 3, reflecting their sustained offensive pressure, especially in the second half. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating disciplined defensive lines and careful attacking play.
Summary
Wigan Athletic’s 3-2 victory over West Ham United was a dramatic and emotional match that had significant implications for both teams. West Ham took an early two-goal lead through Demba Ba, but Wigan mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half, with Charles N’Zogbia scoring twice, including a last-minute free-kick, and Conor Sammon adding another. The result secured Wigan’s survival in the Premier League while condemning West Ham United to relegation. Wigan’s dominance in possession and relentless attacking pressure ultimately overwhelmed West Ham, who were unable to hold onto their lead. The match is remembered for its dramatic turnaround and the emotional impact it had on both sets of players and fans, particularly as it marked the end of West Ham’s time in the Premier League for that season.
