What can you say? Blackpool sit atop of the Premier League table off the back of a stunning 4-0 mauling of Wigan in front of their own fans at the DW stadium.
God knows what we can expect from Ian Holloway in his post-match comments. He’s got to be brewing something special surely?
Back down to earth and we have to admit, as day one shocks go, today’s win for Blackpool ranks up there with the most extraordinary. In Fantasy terms it’s a real earth-shaker. Wigan were backed by the bookies, the pundits, the experts and even myself to enjoy a three-point stroll this afternoon with a few goals and a clean sheet on the cards. How wrong. How very very wrong…
Will this lead to a Marlon Harewood bandwagon? Almost certainly. The former West Ham man has Premier League form (14 goals in 31 starts for West Ham in 2005/06) and has wasted no time to announce himself back on the main stage after two seasons of frustration at Villa, with a brace and an assist – an incredible return for a 4.5 striker on day one.
A four-nil win and nothing from Charlie Adam either. The player that most saw as key to Blackpool’s slim chances of survival wasn’t needed to intervene. That’s got to be a source of frustration for those who did take the gamble by backing Holloway’s men with the acquisition of Adam.
It’s a good bet that those unfortunates won’t feel as bad as Roberto Martinez though. Robbed of his best player due to ongoing transfer speculation, the Wigan side without Charles N’Zogbia in their ranks were booed by the own fans and humiliated by a side billed as relegation certainties. Fantasy investment in N’Zogbia, Hugo Rodallega and Mauro Boselli will now come under scrutiny. There will be an exodus.
This is day one though and Wigan still have three home games in the four (CHE tot SUN MCY) with which to restore some pride and confidence and those players still have it in them to return investment. In contrast Blackpool now have trips to Chelsea and Arsenal to look forward to in the next four (ars FUL new che). Will that slow down the Blackpool bandwagon? Of course, but let’s not think logically. This is the knee jerk and this is Blackpool’s day.