Wigan Athletic's striker crisis has become the defining issue of their season after a third consecutive defeat left them rooted to the bottom of League One. Despite dominating the match against AFC Wimbledon with the most shots, possession, and corners, the Latics failed to score and fell to another loss.
The club now sits 24th in the table with zero points from three games, having scored just twice while conceding six. They are already ten points adrift of leaders Huddersfield Town. The immediate focus shifts to the next fixture, a home match against fifth-placed Stockport County on September 5th.
What is wrong with Wigan's attack?
Wigan Athletic created numerous opportunities against Wimbledon but could not convert any of them. The team registered the most shots and shots on target in the match, alongside the highest possession percentage and pass accuracy. This statistical dominance made the goalless outcome and subsequent defeat all the more frustrating for supporters.
The underlying problem is a severe lack of proven goalscorers in the squad. Panelist Matt Auffrey was blunt in his assessment. "There’s no beating around the bush; our striker room is in a dire state," he said. Last season's total of 49 league goals was shared among a limited group, with Fraser Murray, Dara Costelloe, Christian Saydee, and Jensen Weir the only contracted players to find the net.
Who are the current striking options?
The departure of key attacking talent has left manager Gary Caldwell with few reliable choices. Multi-million pound loan striker Joe Taylor has returned to his parent club, and top young prospect Harrison Bettoni has also moved on. This leaves Sonny Perkins as the primary figure in the striker position, a situation that places immense pressure on the young forward.
Other options are limited. Dara Costelloe is currently out of form, while Christian Saydee is working his way back from a pre-season injury. Chris Sze remains on the fringes of the first team and is considered some distance from a regular breakthrough. Fans can review the full attacking roster on the club's squad page.
What did the manager say after the game?
Gary Caldwell addressed the glaring issue in his post-match comments following the Wimbledon defeat. He acknowledged the shortage of firepower up front, a problem that has been exacerbated by the closure of the summer transfer window. The club received significant funds in the last six months, but reinforcements were not secured before the deadline passed.
The ownership, led by a Wiganer with Kazakhstani backing, now faces scrutiny over how the club navigates this challenging period. The current league standings make for grim reading, highlighting the urgency required to address the scoring drought.
Is fan concern justified?
Long-term supporters have seen similar cycles of promise and disappointment. Panelist Alan Rogers connected the current mood to a historical pattern. "This uneasy feeling of distrust is nothing new to long-term Latics fans," Rogers noted. The combination of on-field struggles and off-field questions creates a familiar tension around the DW Stadium.
The data supports the concern. With only two goals scored in three matches, the team's offensive output is among the worst in the division. Their negative four goal difference further illustrates the imbalance at both ends of the pitch. Supporters looking for a turnaround will hope it begins with the visit of Stockport County, a match detailed on the fixtures list.
Wigan Athletic host Stockport County at the DW Stadium on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
