Bolton hammer Wigan 4-0

Mar 13, 2010 - 6:34 PM By GEOFF McALLISTER STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - Owen Coyle celebrated his biggest win as Bolton manager as the Trotters eased their relegation fears with an emphatic 4-0 victory at home to Wigan at the Reebok Stadium.

Goals from much-maligned Sweden striker Johan Elmander, in-form Kevin Davies, Fabrice Muamba and Matt Taylor helped Bolton climb eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Coyle, whose revitalised side have now won three of their last four games, said: "We had something to spare in terms of the scoreline, which is always nice.

"Make no mistake, it was a hard fought game and Wigan are a good side with some excellent players.

"We scored some terrific goals and were worthy of three points. There was a lot to be pleased about.

"While there was only a goal in you are always anxious but once we scored the second and third there was a real confidence and zest about our play.

"After a difficult run of games we have been in terrific form at home and that is what I am trying to build, a real fortress."

Wigan were looking to build on Monday's surprise 1-0 win at home to Champions League chasing Liverpool to enhance their own Premier League survival hopes.

It took just 10 minutes for Elmander to give Bolton the lead.Jussi Jaaskelainen's long punt up field saw the hapless Titus Bramble outmuscled by Davies and Elmander got in behind Gary Caldwell to calmly slot past Chris Kirkland.

Jaaskelainen produced a fine one-handed save to keep out Charles N'Zogbia's low shot while Hugo Rodallega had a strong penalty appeal turned down after being clattered by Zat Knight.Wigan's sense of injustice increased three minutes into the second half when Bolton were awarded a spot-kick for Caldwell's lunge on Tamir Cohen.

Davies stepped up to beat Kirkland with ease from the resulting penalty before Muamba put the game out of Wigan's reach five minutes later.

Muamba raced onto Korean international Chung-Yong Lee's centre before twisting away from Caldwell and shooting across Kirkland and into the far corner.

Substitute Taylor crowned a resounding win in the dying seconds, with another neat finish, which gave Kirkland no chance.

Wigan \2013 thrashed 9-0 at Tottenham earlier in the season \2013 have now conceded 57 goals in their 29 Premier League games.

Manager Roberto Martinez claimed the penalty not given was the turning point of the match.

Martinez said: "They are key decisions because goals change the game. It was a clear penalty and that would have made things completely different.

"We looked a little bit drained after our performance on Monday and it is a defeat that in particularly painful.

"We gave away very soft goals. We wanted to build on the Liverpool performance and that is something we have not been able to do all season.

"Every time we have a good result we have not been able to show any consistency.

"We have another tough game against Aston Villa on Tuesday so we have no time to feel sorry for ourselves."