Tim Cahill’s powerful near-post header from Leighton Baines’s corner in the 84th minute gave Everton the points at the DW Stadium and extended their Premier League unbeaten run to eight matches.
After looking the stronger side in the first half, Everton needed several moments of good fortune before securing victory. But Cahill’s goal, as he entirely escaped Wigan’s defensive marking, was a reminder of why Wigan, along with Hull City, had shipped the most goals in the top league. Wigan, nevertheless, were worthy of a draw – and would have gained it had Charles N’Zogbia’s 20-yard shot not struck the bar in stoppage time.
Wigan have responded with two January defensive reinforcements: Gary Caldwell, a Scottish international and the Scottish football writers’ player of the year, and the giant Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic bought from the Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.
Caldwell made his presence felt at the heart of Wigan’s defence, but Stojkovik had an uneasier start to his Premier League life. His first save, from a Leon Osman miskick, was made in slow motion with his legs. Then Louis Saha’s 20-yard shot took a deflection off Cahill and struck his left-hand post as the Serbian sank helplessly to his knees.
Wigan had two good opportunities to go ahead before half-time. Jason Scotland chipped the first one wide of the near post and Hugo Rodallega was inches away from turning a cross in at the far post.
But their ire was aroused by a refused penalty appeal when N’Zogbia’s was barged aside by John Heitinga as he approacdhed the right of the area. Referee Lee Probert and his assistant got it right – the offence was an inch short of the line – but the home crowd thought differently and roared disapproval. It stirred Wigan into sustained, if frantic, pressure; their best chance coming when substitute Paul Scharner blazed over.
Everton had a goal ruled out for offside 15 minutes from time – Marouane Fellaini’s tap-in disallowed presumably for offside against Cahill. But the Australian, on his 150th Premier League appearance, had the last word.
Premier LeagueWigan AthleticEvertonDavid Hoppsguardian.co.uk
