Wigan Athletic's search for consistency was halted by a 2-1 defeat at Oxford United on Tuesday. A late goal from Kai Andrews secured the points for the hosts after Wigan had fought back to level.
Michal Helik put Oxford ahead just before half-time, heading home from a corner in the 44th minute. Wigan, who had struggled to create chances, found a response midway through the second half. Substitute Jon Mellish provided the assist for Christian Saydee, who finished to make it 1-1 in the 69th minute.
The momentum was short-lived. Fraser Murray was shown a straight red card for a serious foul just three minutes later, leaving Wigan with ten men for the final stages. Oxford capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Siriki Dembele setting up Andrews to score the decisive goal in the 76th minute.
How the game unfolded
Wigan manager Gary Caldwell set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Scott Hogan leading the line. The visitors were under pressure for large spells, with Oxford registering 24 shots to Wigan's seven. Goalkeeper J. Whitworth made four saves to keep the scoreline respectable, but his side managed only one shot on target all game.
Discipline became a major issue. Jensen Weir and Charlie Gray were booked in the first half, and Caldwell himself received a yellow card for dissent after Murray's dismissal. The red card was Wigan's first of the League One season and proved costly.
Where this leaves Wigan
The result leaves Wigan Athletic 24th in the League One standings, with just seven points from their opening nine matches. They have now lost six of those games, scoring only six goals while conceding thirteen. They sit a significant 13 points behind leaders Bradford City.
Attention now turns to a daunting trip to face third-placed Huddersfield Town this Saturday. That fixture, at the Accu Stadium with a 12:30 kick-off, represents another severe test for a team in need of a positive result. Wigan's recent form shows two wins and three losses from their last five, a pattern they must break quickly to climb away from the bottom of the table. The team's away form is a particular concern, with this defeat marking their fourth loss in five matches on the road this season.
