It was widely commented at the beginning of the season, that if Wigan were to stand any chance of maintaining their Barclays Premier League status, then the goals of Hugo Rodallega would be vital. The need for Rodallega to find the back of the net this season was said to be even greater given the loss of talisman Charles N’Zogbia to Aston Villa. Last season, Rodallega managed to register a total of nine goals in the Barclays Premier League, including a decisive headed effort on the final day of the season at Stoke which ultimately saved Latics from relegation. After only participating briefly in this summer’s Copa America, it was anticipated that Rodallega would return in full fitness and ready to once again spearhead Wigan’s attack for the 2011/12 campaign. However, Rodallega found himself resigned to the bench in favour of Franco Di-Santo during the opening fixtures of the season. Briefly returning to the side for a short run of games, Rodallega has since lost his place in the side again following the loss at Wolves, this time to Connor Sammon.
2010/11 Season
2011/12 Season
The above tables from the EPLIndex Stats Centre provide some indication of why Roberto Martinez has chosen to choose other strikers over Rodallega on several occasions this season. As you can see, Rodallega is yet to score a single goal this season having been on the field for a total of 651 minutes. This represents a significant decrease from his returns last season, where he was able to register a goal every 337 minutes. Although the stats actually show an increased shooting accuracy from 45% up to 53% this season, it is Rodallega’s failure to convert any of the chances which have fallen his way which has worn down the patience of manager Martinez. Fellow striker Franco Di-Santo has managed to register four goals, despite playing just 108 more minutes than Rodallega, as evidenced in the table below. Di-Santo also has a more impressive shooting accuracy of 57%.
If Rodallega has aspirations of winning back his place in the team, he is going to need to work on his shooting accuracy and take any opportunities which fall to him when he is brought on from the bench. Latics fans will desperately be hoping that he is able to rediscover his 2010/11 form if he is given an opportunity at West Brom this coming Saturday. If no upturn in form materialises between now and the opening of the January transfer window, Wigan may well look to cash in on their misfiring striker, particularly given that he will have just six months remaining on his current contract.
