On March 2, 2013, Liverpool visited the DW Stadium to face Wigan Athletic in a Premier League fixture. Liverpool delivered a dominant performance, winning 4-0, with Luis Suárez stealing the show with a hat-trick.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Wigan Athletic: 0
- Liverpool: 4 (Stewart Downing 2′, Luis Suárez 18′, 34′, 49′)
- Possession:
- Liverpool controlled the game with 54% possession, while Wigan had 46%. Liverpool’s control allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, creating numerous chances and keeping Wigan at bay.
- Shots:
- Liverpool registered 16 shots, with 10 on target, reflecting their attacking dominance and efficiency in front of goal. Wigan managed 8 shots, with 3 on target, but failed to seriously threaten Liverpool’s defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 454 passes out of 536 attempts. Wigan had a passing accuracy of 80%, completing 379 passes out of 473 attempts. Liverpool’s superior control in midfield and pressing allowed them to maintain possession and build attacks effectively.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Liverpool made 18 tackles compared to Wigan’s 15, reflecting the physical nature of the game. Liverpool’s defense, led by Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger, was solid throughout, neutralizing Wigan’s attack and securing a clean sheet.
- Set Pieces:
- Liverpool opened the scoring early in the 2nd minute when Stewart Downing headed in from a Philippe Coutinho cross. Luis Suárez doubled Liverpool’s lead in the 18th minute, calmly slotting the ball past Wigan’s goalkeeper after another assist from Coutinho. Suárez added his second goal in the 34th minute with a precise shot inside the box after a quick buildup play. He completed his hat-trick early in the second half in the 49th minute, finishing from close range after a clever pass from Glen Johnson.
- Individual Performances:
- Luis Suárez was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick and constantly causing problems for Wigan’s defense with his movement and clinical finishing. Philippe Coutinho played a key role as well, providing two assists and showcasing his creativity in midfield. Stewart Downing also contributed with a goal and was a threat on the wing. For Wigan, goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi made several saves to prevent an even heavier defeat, but the team struggled to cope with Liverpool’s attacking intensity.
- Tactical Overview:
- Liverpool, under Brendan Rodgers, used a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling possession and using Suárez’s movement to exploit Wigan’s defensive gaps. Wigan, managed by Roberto Martínez, played a 3-4-3 formation but were unable to handle Liverpool’s pressing and quick transitions. Wigan’s defense was repeatedly exposed by Liverpool’s pace and creativity, particularly in the wide areas.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw one yellow card, issued to Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa in the 42nd minute for a foul on Luis Suárez. Liverpool remained disciplined throughout the game, avoiding any bookings.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Liverpool won 5 corners compared to Wigan’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage in the attacking third. Liverpool were caught offside twice, while Wigan were caught offside once, showing their attempts to break through the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic was a comprehensive display of attacking football, with Luis Suárez delivering a masterclass by scoring a hat-trick. The early goal from Stewart Downing set the tone for the match, and Suárez’s clinical finishing ensured Liverpool had full control.
Philippe Coutinho’s creativity and vision were key to Liverpool’s success, as he provided two assists and created numerous chances. Wigan, despite trying to play their usual passing game under Roberto Martínez, were unable to cope with Liverpool’s pace and pressing.
The result kept Liverpool in the hunt for a European spot, while Wigan remained in the relegation battle. This match further highlighted Suárez’s importance to Liverpool’s attack, as his movement and finishing were instrumental in securing the three points for his team.
