Fans turn on Rowett as Grigg grabs two
ANGRY Stoke City fans chanted ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ at manager Gary Rowett as their disastrous start to life in the Championship continued against Will Grigg-inspired Wigan. The Wigan striker, whose terrace song ‘Will Grigg’s on fire’ has entered football folklore, scored in each half as Stoke had defender Ashley Williams sent off and finished the night in the bottom three. There were claims on social media that goalkeeper Jack Butland and winger James McClean had to be separated in the tunnel at half-time after exchanging angry words. To emphasise the on-field divide, Grigg has scored 48 times since Stoke’s £12million forward Saido Berahino got his last goal in February 2016. ‘ I understand the fans’ frustration,’ said Rowett. ‘We deserve the reaction from the crowd, to be booed at times and the stadium to be empty at the end. I am not going to pretend it’s acceptable. We have to earn the fans’ trust back. For far too long, performances have not been good enough.’ Stoke’s last home victory was in January and early nerves weren’t helped when Benik Afobe was judged offside after converting Berahino’s pass after nine minutes. Though Rowett’s line-up looked strong on paper, it was bereft of confidence or pace. Berahino, Tom Ince and Joe Allen missed chances and Afobe and McClean got in each other’s way in front of goal. In contrast, Wigan were ruthless and took the lead after 27 minutes. Winger Gavin Massey fizzed in a low cross and master poacher Grigg converted from close range. Five minutes later, Massey pounced on an error by Darren Fletcher and sped past Williams into the area, lashing a finish past Butland. Stoke fans’ discontent peaked when Rowett chose the energetic Berahino to make way for Peter Crouch, with supporters audibly questioning the decision. Wigan’s third goal arrived after 57 minutes when Nick Powell was tripped by Allen and Grigg slammed the penalty into the middle of goal. The toxic atmosphere saw the decision to replace Fletcher cheered. Williams, signed from Everton for his experience, lost his cool and collected a second yellow for clattering into Josh Windass. Wigan fans gleefully mocked ‘It’s gone our way on the night,’ said delighted Wigan manager Paul Cook. ‘The key moments went our way. But we can be put on our bum at any time in this league.’