Howe embarrassed as Wigan run riot
The last time Wigan knocked out Bournemouth in a third-round replay, they went on to lift the FA Cup at Wembley in 2013.
Given the Latics are now in League One, the chances of a repeat are virtually non-existent, particularly as they will face improving West ham at home in the next round.
Victory over eddie howe’s weakened side with goals from Sam Morsy, Dan Burn and Callum elder will gladden the hearts of Wigan supporters after five difficult years for the club.
It wasn’t Bournemouth’s strongest line-up and howe will get flak for making eight changes from their win on Sunday against Arsenal, though he insisted: ‘I didn’t take a risk with team selection. They were all, in the main, regular Premier League players.’
What looked apparent was that the visitors didn’t fancy the swirling wind and rain a long way from home, particularly in the first half.
In contrast, Wigan were up for it from the opening whistle and ahead from the ninth minute when Morsy scored from a rebound after Artur Boruc had saved from Will Grigg.
The killer second goal came from substitute defender Dan Burn after 73 minutes with virtually his first touch.
elder’s header sealed a terrific night for the divisional leaders and while their manager Paul Cook was hoarse afterwards, he managed to croak some laughter when the 2013 Bournemouth connection was mentioned, the year Wigan beat Manchester City in the final.
‘I love that one!’ he said. ‘Yeah, I’ve heard when we beat Bournemouth we win the Cup, but if West ham come up heavy in the next round, we know what can happen. We’re not stupid.’
For the hardy Bournemouth fans who endured a 520-mile round trip, it was depressingly similar to last season’s third-round exit, a 3-0 defeat at Millwall, who were also in the third tier at the time.
‘hugely disappointing. We didn’t get going in the first half and were very wasteful in possession, which was unlike us,’ said howe.
‘But I don’t regret the changes. Last season, the selection against Millwall had an impact on the result. I don’t think you could say the same tonight.’