Wigan athletic were defeated by a West Ham side, even though the side has been in recent run of form. Martinez needed a win as muchas West Ham but that likelihood receded even further when the Hammers doubled their lead. Piquionne touched the ball off to Victor Obinna, who showed more accuracy than he had done previously all season by drilling his shot across Al-Habsi inside the far corner.
But West Ham were not over the line yet. No sooner had Franco di Santo come off than his replacement was handed an opportunity to get Wigan back into the game.
After 63 minutes Danny Gabbidon fouled Tom Cleverley, although the referee, Mark Halsey, awarded a penalty only after a signal from his assistant. Mauro Boselli, with his first touch, struck his spot-kick weakly and low to Rob Green’s left, and the England international saved it with ease. Martinez, probably crossing his fingers and toes, claimed no regrets for letting the Argentinian try his luck.
Duly off the hook, Grant was able to smile for once in what has been an arduous season. He was even happier with 15 minutes remaining when Scott Parker started and finished the move for the Hammers’ third. The captain broke forward from midfield, found Obinna, and was there to convert the Nigerian’s deft return pass from eight yards. “Parker represents the classic modern midfielder,” Grant beamed.
Belated comfort for the visitors came after Victor Moses dribbled into the area and touched his pass to Cleverley, who curled his shot into the top corner. But Grant, for once, was not the least bit bothered by that.
