Bowyer rages after Latics loss
LEE Bowyer was furious after Charlton’s defeat at Wigan, labelling it “the worst we’ve played since I’ve been in charge”.
The Addicks suffered their second defeat on the spin, after being second best all game to a Wigan side who picked up their first victory since the opening day. Centre-back Chey Dunkley did all the damage, with two goals from corners.
“Disappointing is probably an understatement,” Bowyer said. “That’s the worst we’ve played since I’ve been in charge – certainly the first 45 minutes anyway.
“We were so bad, we couldn’t put three passes together. To lose the game on two set-pieces – which just ain’t us – is hard to take. We normally pride ourselves on our set-pieces, but their centre-half scores a volley from inside the sixyard box, which shouldn’t be possible. Then he has a free header from inside the sixyard box, which shouldn’t be possible. Even after that, we created enough chances to have got something. But we just weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal. It just wasn’t good enough from start to finish, and I’m struggling to find any sort of positives.”
Wigan were on song right from the start, with Jamal Lowe playing a one-two with Kieffer Moore before sending his shot straight at the goalkeeper. The opening goal duly arrived after 22 minutes. Centre-back partner Charlie Mulgrew sent over an inviting corner from the right and Dunkley showed quick feet to volley home at the far post past Dillon Phillips.
The Charlton goalkeeper was tested again when Sam Morsy sent a rasping drive straight down his throat. Wigan were screaming for a pen when Antonee Robinson tumbled over, but referee Andy Davies was unimpressed.
Charlton were almost level within seven minutes of the restart. A cross was hacked over the Wigan bar in the nick of time by Dunkley, with Tomer Hemed waiting for a tap-in.
Wigan couldn’t clear the corner but Charlton defender Tom Lockyer fired wide.
Within seconds, Lockyer was called into action in his own box to get in a superb block to stop Lowe’s shot. From the resulting Michael Jacobs corner, Mulgrew flicked the ball against the post.
The respite was only temporary, however. Again, it was a from a corner and Dunkley rose to plant his header into the roof of the net.
David Marshall produced a stunning double save in injury time to guarantee the points.
Wigan boss Paul Cook said: “The first half was a very strong performance from us, and we were probably unfortunate to only go in 1-0 up.
“We played really well, created numerous opportunities, and you’re always a little bit wary when you don’t get that second goal. You look at how strongly Charlton have started the season, how strong their threats are, especially going forward, and you’re worrying in case you slip up. But we saw the game out really well and we were grateful to David Marshall for pulling off a great save at the end.”