Player Ratings: Wigan Athletic 4-0 Birmingham City

Scott Carson - 7

Yet another good performance by the former England goalkeeper, he still looks very shaky when coming for crosses and doesn't really have a total command over his box. However when you take into the account the ability he has to still make world class saves and how good his distribution is then he does come out well.

Considering he had nothing to do for large parts of this game, then made a great double save to deny Birmingham late on, shows great focus to stay alert right to the end. It is though telling that Scott doesn't come out with high honors from this game, and that was purely has he didn't have that much to do.

James Perch - 7

Solid Perchy performance in the right wing back position, starting to see him grow in confidence and looking more and more like the player from last season. He almost managed to get a goal at the weekend after sneaking in at the back post, only for him to find the side netting.

No bones to really pick at about the performance just keep it up.

Emmerson Boyce - 7

Signs the captain is getting back to his usual self. You could have begun to question if this was going to be it for Boycie at the beginning of the season has he did look like a duck out of water at the start of the season. Yet a return to the right side of a back three and the captain looks the more composed figure we know.

Still more to come from the skipper as we know what he is capable of, but things are looking better from Boyce.

Ivan Ramis - 7

Defiantly made the difference in the defense having the experience center back in the heart of it all. Adds such composure and class it is untrue, the only shame for Ramis is going to be his poor injury record since joining the club. If he could keep himself fit to play a full season then he will be a rock for us at the back.

Hopefully it wasn't anything serious that saw him make way at half time.

Rob Kiernan - 7

Defiantly an improving talent at the club and playing alongside the caliber of center back we have at the club will only aid his development. Had a very solid first half playing on the left side of the defensive three before moving centeraly once Ramis came off. Still not experienced enough for that position for me and will get caught out quiet easily playing there.

That said he still have a great range of passing on him, and can put his body on the line when needed. Rob will only get better as the season goes on.

Andrew Taylor - 8

Struggled with the switch to the wing back position initial, and has shown his lack of pace when getting forward at times. But then did someone tell him something ahead of the weekend? Taylor bombed it up and down our left hand-side and add some great width, along with some good crosses into the box.

Defiantly taking to the role now and that was encompassed in his positioning to be able to burst forward and get his first goal for the club, and what a finish it was by the defender!

Emyr Huws - 7

Not his best game since being at the club but showing the reason why the club have splashed the cash to get him on a permanent basis. Very talented midfielder when it comes to reading the game and can easily disposes a player and bring the ball under his spell, which he showed at times when marshaling the midfield.

Huws still shows that youthful lack of experience when shooting when a pass would be better and visa-versa. But with his left foot he can deliver a great set piece and find his target.

Don Cowie - 8

Scots best performance since joining the club. Stud out for doing an awful lot of the dirty work in the midfield, he is one of those players that lose to nick the ball of people and chase attackers down till they are willing to drop. Shows at times a great turn of pace and burst forward a fair few times to try and set an attack off.

Looks like he could be a great snatch of a free transfer.

James McArthur - 9

We know now that it was a fair well performance and if there ever was one to show it would be this one. Jimmy Mc 2nd showed how it done and shone through out the game. Playing in a much more forward role than he usually does he was breaking up attacks before bursting forward with the ball to try and set us up on our way.

What a shame it was that he couldn't grab a farewell goal for the club, if anything this performance showed how much he will be missed by the club.

Callum McManaman - 9

Outstanding by the attacker! Callum is hitting those dizzy heights again and we have done well to keep hold of him. Getting two goals and causing a whole heap of trouble Callum is in the mood and long may that continue. He shows that he can play with both feet, but watch out once in the box that right foot makes the difference.

We really will have to watch out for him getting cut in two at some point as that seems the only way some defenders can actually stop him. But one of Callums best performances in a Wigan shirt.

Oriol Riera - 7

Chucking his body about up front and chasing the ball around, this guy his going to endear himself to Wigan hearts. Only managed the one goal so far but I wouldn't expect that to last for long, his talent is shining through and the link up play with Callum is exceptional.

Riera did look very dejected to be removed at the weekend and I don't blame him with the way he is playing, but the signs are that we have got ourselves a very good striking option here.

Subsititions

Martyn Waghorn 7 - Opened his account for the season and looked that little bit sharper. Is Waghorn back to his best? Hope so as when he is in form he is unplayable

Shaun Maloney 7 - Uwe Rosler has been waiting for the chance to get Shaun back into the action and on the face of it the midfielder looks back to his sharp best. Those dancing feet looked in tip top condition at the weekend.

Leon Barnett 7 - Leon will have to fight for a place if he wants one in the starting line up and showing his strength and pace in his second half performance will show the gaffer that he has a player that he can rely on when injuries hit or forms drop.

Man of the Match

It is a close one but I have to give it to the departing James McArthur.

Who do you think deserves the honor following the Birmingham game?