#2 A game of two halves
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Whether it was the spate of surprise results over the weekend, their own defeat to Hull or the unfamiliarity of playing with each other, but United’s starting XI looked visibly nervous as the game kicked off. Wigan, on the other hand, made a positive start as they cornered their opposition and dispossessed them repeatedly. The Latics were quick and eager as they controlled the flow of the game leaving United with very little time on the ball.
The hosts themselves were rather dull as they struggled to find any sense of purpose and satisfied themselves with passing the ball around interspersed with the occasional crosses near the penalty area. With very little to show for, it was Joyce’s outfit that looked more likely to score and registered the games first shot on target. Even though Mkhitaryan and Mata were presented with goalscoring opportunities their attempts were wide off the mark.
However, Fellaini’s goal on the cusp of halftime changed the dynamics of the game. As the visitors grew more apprehensive, United became imperious as they no longer looked vulnerable. Dominating possession and the rhythm of the game, Mourinho’s men pulled up their socks and got the job done in spectacular fashion.
