LOWLY WIGAN SHOCKS LIVERPOOL IN ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION

This was a game that Liverpool was supposed to be able to ‘phone in’ as they tried to finish the English Premier League season in the top five.  Wigan is a team that is fighting to avoid relegation, and that had scored one goal against Liverpool in their previous six head to head encounters.   Once the game was actually played, however, it was a completely different story as striker Hugo Rodallega scored a first half goal that was enough for Wigan to shock their visitors by a 1-0 score.  The win will go a long way in assuring that Wigan is playing in the Premier League next season, while for Liverpool the loss put a serious dent in their hopes for a top tier finish.

Soccer betting enthusiasts who had the gumption to take the seriously overmatched host team received a sizable payback on Wigan’s victory as +600 underdogs.  Liverpool had entered the contest as a -175 favorite with a draw priced at +250.  The single goal scored went well UNDER the posted total of 2’ -130.

It was Wigan’s first win ever over Liverpool and only the second over the four teams considered the Premier League’s elite (Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are the others).  It wasn’t their first upset of the season, as they stunned second place Chelsea earlier this season.  Although it was only Liverpool’s second defeat in their past 11 games, their problems on the offensive end have seriously hurt their chances at a top tier finish.  The loss to Wigan represented the sixth time in their last eight away games that they failed to score.

Liverpool managed to get off 14 shots, but none were on net.  The closest they came to scoring was when Steven Gerrard’s corner kick set up Fernando Torres nicely, but his blast hit the uprights and caromed away.  Wigan had 13 shots, with 4 on net but most importantly they scored a goal after Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt gave up the ball near his own penalty area.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez dedicated the victory to his team’s fans:

"It was a night to remember for the fans. It was huge. Today, I was extremely proud of the players, the way they reacted and made it their night. Too many people were beginning to question the way we play and the style of play but if you work extremely hard, you can play against anyone and beat them."

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was candid in his assessment of the loss:

"We didn't play well, especially in the first half. We had too many things that were wrong. We have to show more character if we want to be in the top four. You cannot guarantee anything if you do not show character or attitude."

Wigan will play at Bolton next Saturday followed by a home game against Aston Villa.  Liverpool’s next action will be a UEFA Europa League contest in France against Lille next Thursday.  Their next Premier League action will be at home next Monday against last place Portsmouth.