Wigan spot on to go top of the EFL Trophy table
WIGAN ATHLETIC were victorious in the EFL Trophy last night after a penalty shootout victory against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
The match was level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, but Wigan came out on top during the spot-kicks to earn the win.
Wigan went ahead on 63 minutes when Alex Gilbey made the breakthrough for the visitors.
It looked like they would hold on to the lead, but Blackpool equalised on 87 minutes when Fin Sinclair-Smith found the net.
That sent the game to penalties, with Sinclair-Smith unable to repeat his earlier heroics as his penalty was saved.
That proved to be the decisive kick, meaning Wigan won 5-4, which puts them top of the table in their group, with the other two sides in their group, Accrington Stanley and Middlesbrough U21, still yet to have their first match.
It wasn’t the same fate for OLDHAM ATHLETIC, though, as they were beaten on penalties at home to Port Vale.
The match finished goalless, with both teams having chances in the game but neither were able to take them.
Ollie Banks and Mason Fawns missed during the shootout for Latics, meaning they were beaten 4-2 on penalties.
Despite the loss, Oldham do pick up a point after the draw, leaving them third in their group, behind Port Vale and Newcastle U21, who defeated Crewe. PEP Guardiola raised fresh doubts about Raheem Sterling just moments after his latest rescue act for City. The England winger’s 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth sparked chaotic scenes at the Vitality Stadium.
Guardiola celebrated on the touchline in a manner rarely seen since taking over at City.
Yet asked afterwards how Sterling could improve as a goalscorer, his response was cutting.
“Maybe you have to find another manager,” said the Catalan with a chuckle.
He may have only been half joking.
The task of turning Sterling into a prolific finisher could now fall to Arsene Wenger, with City facing up to the prospect of maybe having to include him in any deal for Alexis Sanchez.
City’s hierarchy have been quick to dismiss stories they’d offered Sterling as a makeweight. But as the transfer window draws to a close tomorrow, they may have to accept losing the 22-year-old if they are to land one of Guardiola’s top targets. The brutual reality is that Sterling could be among the more expendable members of Guardiola’s squad. Amid talk of Arsenal asking for Sergio Aguero to be included in a swap, City were always going to be more open to allowing Sterling to go. Senior sources insist Aguero has never been part of the discussion - no matter how much Wenger would like to see him head in the opposite direction. Sterling, however, has looked vulnerable since the £43m arrival of Bernardo Silva. Guardiola’s plan to play with wingbacks and a three-man defence as often as possible this season will limit Sterling’s opportunities out wide. James Robson