Manchester City Vs. Wigan: Al-Habsi Error Decision In City's 1-0 Victory

Conor Sammon, with 93:45 showing on the clock, almost made up for Ali Al-Habsi's error. For the last hour of the match, the Wigan goalkeeper had been face with a scoreboard when the only difference between the Latics and Manchester City was a ball he let do through his legs. But when Tom Cleverley played a 30-yard ball to Sammon, and Sammon executed a give-and-go with Hugo Rodallega, the Irish attacker beat Joleon Lescott for a chance from 14 yards out. Joe Hart came off his line, giving the substitute only a ball's width of room at the far post. And as happens most of the time a player has such a thin margin for error, Sammon missed. Al-Habsi's error stood up.

That error came in the 37th minute. David Silva had gone on a run into the Wigan area before letting go of a left-footed shot that should have been an easy save. The ball headed straight for the `keeper's feet, with the Omani international bending at the waste to let the shot roll up into his chest. But his hands were too soft and too far apart, and he didn't get completely behind the ball. Silva's shot went through his arm, between his legs, and into the net for what would turn out to be the match's only score.

Even including that slip, the match was relatively evenly played. Neither side looked capable of distinguishing themselves from the other, though that error allowed City to contain the match. An event-less second half kept the play even, leading to City's 1-0 win.

The victory gives City a five point gap on fourth place Chelsea, albeit having played two extra matches. WIgan stays 20th, four points away from safety after West Ham's win over Stoke.