Gotze: I shouldn't be compared to Messi

Gotze: I shouldn't be compared to Messi

Mario Gotze insists he does not deserve to be compared to Lionel Messi.

The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder was told by Germany coach Joachim Low to show he was better than the Argentinian when he cane on as a substitute in the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Final. Gotze went to score the only goal with a superb finish.

However, he told Sport Bild magazine: "I think [Low] only said that to motivate me. I came on late and he just found the right words to give me a push.

"Messi has proven his extraordinary talent throughout his whole career with Barcelona. It's not a comparison which should be made. He's achieved so many great things and set the bar so high that practically nobody is ever going to reach it."

Dinner with Pep
Gotze also revealed he went for a meal out with Bayern coach Pep Guardiola recently

"We had an Asian meal, but I wouldn't really call it a date," he said. "It was, however, a very special talk in a relaxed atmosphere.

"Even there, the coach spoke more than anything about football and the way he sees the game, but he doesn't forget to find out how things are with you personally. Such an honest conversation with the coach is very important to a player."

Seleção Feminina Sub-15 treina em Pinheiral - Sob sol forte

Seleção Feminina Sub-15 treina em Pinheiral - Sob sol forte

Assessoria CBF.com.br

A Seleção Brasileira Feminina Sub-15, que está concentrada em Pinheiral, realizou um treinamento movimentado, sob sol forte, dividido em três partes. A técnica Emily Lima comandou a atividade.

O primeiro exercício foi de ataque contra defesa e jogadas de contra ataque rápido. Depois, as meninas trabalharam as bolas paradas defensivas. Para encerrar o trabalho, a técnica Emily Lima orientou as jogadoras em um coletivo.

Confira a lista das jogadoras convocadas:

Goleiras

Nicole Ramos - Associação Desportiva e Cultural de Fortaleza

Juli Luciano da Silva - Vasco

Anna Baetriz Barbosa - Centro Olímpico

Maiquiele Caroline Weber - Ferroviária



Zagueiras

Juliana Pacheco - Vasco

Sara Maria - Americana Futebol Feminino

Leandra Maini Reginaldo - Centro Olímpico

Sabrina Ramos Camatta - Tiger/Luso Brasileiro



Laterais

Paloma Nair Araújo Moreira de Lemos - Centro Olímpico

Rayane Oliveira de Souza - Valinhos Futebol Clube

Isabella de Almeida Fernandes - Valinhos Futebol Clube

Thalita da Silva do Santos - Padre Miguel



Volantes

Thais Regina da Silva - Sport Club do Recife

Angelina Alonso Constantino - Vasco

Andressa Freitas dos Anjos - Centro Olímpico

Isabela Alvares da Silva - ADEF



Meias

Ana Vitória Angélica Kliemashewsk de Araújo - Rondonópolis

Leticia Ferreira Moreno Santos - Tiger/Luso Brasileiro

Raquel Domingues Batista - Valinhos Futebol Clube

Rayane da Silva Arruda - Vasco

Atacantes

Nycole Raysla Silva Sobrinho - ADEF

Ariadina Alves Borges - Centro Olímpico

Luiza Wagner Farinon - Grêmio

Maria Luiza Schwaizer - Escolinha do Santos Porto Alegre

Micaely Brazil dos Santos - CBF

Maria Julia - Americana Futebol Feminino

Shell and Pelé Inspire Future Energy Scientists With Soccer Pitch | Shell

Joe Bennett sees long-term future at Aston Villa

Joe Bennett sees long-term future at Aston Villa

Joe Bennett remains convinced that his long-term future lies at Aston Villa despite heading out of the club on loan.

The 24-year-old joined Sky Bet Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long agreement over the summer.

Being deemed surplus to requirements at his parent club would suggest that his days at Villa Park may be numbered.

Bennett is refusing to see his situation that way, though, with there still two years left to run on his current contract.

He intends to honour that agreement and will look to use a stint in the second tier as an opportunity to prove his worth to Paul Lambert and the Villa coaching team.

Bennett said: “I think my long-term future is definitely with Villa.

“You never know what could happen. Brighton could get promoted and things could change.

“I could have a good season, go back to Villa and then play next season.

“At the moment I am just focusing on playing well and we’ll see what happens at the end.”

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez eager to impress Manchester United staff

Angelo Henriquez hopes an outing on British shores will help him to catch the eye of parent club Manchester United.

The 20-year-old Chilean will be in Glasgow on Thursday for a Europa League clash with Celtic.

He will be turning out for loan employers Dinamo Zagreb, having agreed a season-long deal over the summer.

Henriquez is aware that he needs to make the most of his time away from Old Trafford, having previously taken in spells at Wigan Athletic and Real Zaragoza.

He needs to show those on the coaching staff at United that he has a future in England, with Sir Alex Ferguson having invested £3.5million in his potential back in 2012.

The highly-rated South American is confident he has what it takes to make a positive impact at a Premier League heavyweight, but is also aware that fierce competition for places may force him to look elsewhere.

Henriquez said: “I don’t think it was a backwards step in my career (joining Dinamo) but a good chance to play and get experience of European football.

“Dinamo is a special challenge for me because I know the club aspires to be the best in Croatia and that will help me achieve my goal.

“I have constant contact with people from Manchester United.

“Not (Louis) van Gaal, but people from Carrington, the coaches. They want to know every detail – from the intensity of training here, diet, life in Zagreb. With that amount of care for a year, I know I’m still being followed by United.”

However, on rumours that Dinamo will look to make his move permanent next summer, Henriquez added: “I heard about this idea but I honestly do not know what to say.

“Should I wait for the end of the season and draw the line and see where we are?

“Basically, I would not mind staying in Dinamo because it’s a great club and if things go well I would love to stay here after the expiry of the loan.”

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffiield Wednesday appoint duo to key roles at the club

Sheffield Wednesday have appointed Paul Bell as chief operating officer and John Redgate as finance director at the club.

Bell was director of commercial affairs for almost five years at Leeds United and Redgate has worked as chief financial officer at Portsmouth. 

Club chairman Milan Mandaric said: “I have always stressed the importance of introducing and working alongside genuine football people at Sheffield Wednesday.

“The additions of both Paul and John will significantly strengthen our off-field operation and I would like to personally welcome them to Hillsborough.

“I wish them every success at our club.”

St Johnstone sign former Scotland striker James McFadden

St Johnstone sign former Scotland striker James McFadden

St Johnstone have completed the signing of former Scotland striker James McFadden after a successful trial until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old, who has also played for Everton, was out of contract since leaving Motherwell at the end of last season, but joined the Scottish Cup holders having trained with the squad earlier in the week ahead of featuring in a Development League game against Aberdeen at McDiarmid Park.

Manager Tommy Wright said: “I’m delighted to have signed James. It’s no secret that recent injuries have left us short of options and he brings with him a wealth of experience at the very top level of the game and has the ability to provide us with that little spark.


"He’s signed for the remainder of the season but there’s a little bit of a gamble on the part of both the club and the player. However, we’ve held very open and honest discussions with James.

"Both parties will review things in January and if it is working out for everyone then he will be here until the end of the campaign.”

McFadden, given the No 17 jersey vacated by Stevie May's departure to Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, said: "I've been keeping myself fit since the summer.

"It's been tough but I've just been waiting for the right time for me to get my boots on and start playing on a Saturday again. 

"I've been training with Partick Thistle and I'm very grateful to them for letting me use their facilities, but come a Saturday it was difficult and I'm glad now I have something to look forward to at the weekend."

Boucaud delight at call-up

Boucaud delight at call-up

Dagenham midfielder Andre Boucaud has spoken of his delight at being called up by Trinidad & Tobago.

The 29-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Caribbean side so far and is eager to add to that total in the coming weeks.

"Playing international football is huge, whatever nation or country it is," Boucaud told the official club website.

"A couple of months ago we played against Argentina and played against Messi.

"If I didn't play for Trinidad and Tobago, playing international football, I'd never have got that opportunity, so I'm grateful."

The call-up means he will miss two matches for Dagenham but Boucaud insists he is willing to fight for his place when he returns.

"It is always hard missing those games, I'm confident I can come back and prove myself again in training," he added.

Kenny McLean insists St Mirren are still a united squad

Kenny McLean insists St Mirren are still a united squad

Kenny McLean insists St Mirren are still a united camp, despite reports of unrest in the Paisley camp.

Saints recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2  against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Tuesday with McLean scoring a last minute penalty, and the midfielder was keen to point out the rumours surrounding the club are without foundation.

“We are a very tight-knit group and everybody has got each other's back," he said. "The togetherness we showed last night proves that.

“When things aren't going well, it's always easy for people to make up rumours about things going on behind the scenes. We've already seen those kind of rumours this season but it's just not true.

“The manager has kept us all in good spirits and kept things positive. Training has always been enjoyable. We don't take too much notice of these rumours because we behind the scenes and know what it's really like.

“It's strange, I just don't know where these things come from. It's obviously someone making it up, which is not nice. It's like people are trying to kick us when we are down.

“However, that draw at Aberdeen will hopefully give us another massive lift and results can start turning our way.

“It was a great point to get considering the position we are in. We are struggling for points so to go to one of the hardest grounds in the league and get a draw after being 2-0 down felt like a victory.

“If we had not got that goal back so quickly after Aberdeen's second, the heads could have gone done easily. But we responded well and kept fighting to get a result.”

Rotherham defender Danny Rowe could make Wycombe return

Rotherham defender Danny Rowe could make Wycombe return

If Danny Rowe departs Rotherham again this season it will only be to Wycombe, according to Millers boss Steve Evans.

Evans was forced to recall the 18-year-old defender from his second loan spell at Adams Park and, despite interest from elsewhere, that is where he will return when the injury situation clears up.

"If Kari Arnason hadn't been fit for Saturday Danny Rowe would have played, that's why we recalled him," Evans told the club's official website.

"He's been doing very well at Wycombe and it was a big decision to make.

"When we clear one or two niggles up he will be allowed to return to Wycombe even though I've had calls from other League One and League Two clubs. He won't be going anywhere else - if he goes back out the door then it will only be back to Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe."

Mats Hummels remains fully committed to Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels remains fully committed to Borussia Dortmund

Mats Hummels is flattered to be attracting interest from across Europe but has no intention of leaving Borussia Dortmund.

The World Cup-winning defender has been heavily linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United.

Hummels acknowledges that the opportunities are there if he chooses to quit his homeland and take on a new challenge abroad, but he is enjoying his football in Germany and is prepared to continue ignoring the rumours and endless talk of big-money moves.


The 25-year-old, who has spent the last six years with Dortmund, told Bundesliga Magazin International: “It’s nice to hear that big clubs like that are interested in you.

“I take that as a compliment but it doesn’t influence me in any way, otherwise. We earn enough here in Dortmund.

“There will always be someone who can pay more than BVB but Dortmund have made a lot of progress during my time here. In any case I believe it’s enough for me.

“If one day I start thinking about playing abroad, money won’t be the reason. I don’t even think about that at the moment. We still have so much further to go here.”

Hummels has refused to rule out the possibility of seeing out his playing days at Signal Iduna Park, with there little point in trading clubs for the sake of it.

He added: “There are some [who stay at one club for their whole careers], and they are all really great players. Paolo Maldini of Milan, for example, or Steven Gerrard. I would have been so happy for him if he had won the championship with Liverpool.

“[Lionel] Messi always plays for Barcelona. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Müller, too, will perhaps play in Munich for ever.”


For now, Hummels is eager to taste further success with 2012 German champions Dortmund, with a number of his colleagues having also committed to the club amid intense speculation regarding their future.

He said: “People often speak about the Dortmund ‘project’ in that context but I don’t really like that word.

“It’s too unemotional and sounds so technical. I’ve been here for six and a half years and it’s simply more exciting and more difficult to win trophies as an underdog.

“Everybody can win things with 25 superstars in the squad. At BVB, every single player has more responsibility but also more opportunity. It’s difficult to win trophies with Dortmund but it’s always possible. And when it happens, the feeling is simply indescribable.

“When we won the championship for a second time in 2012, each one of us could have gone wherever we wanted. But I thought: ‘No, what we have here is something truly unique.’

“I’m happy I felt this way. You don’t often find a team where people are really friends with each other. If you’ve got the chance to play at such a high level with your mates you have to hold on to that for as long as possible.”

Robinson pens Luton deal

Robinson pens Luton deal

Luton midfielder Matt Robinson has signed a new contract extension with the club, keeping him at Kenilworth Road until 2017.

The 20 year-old, who joined from Leicester in 2012, has made 52 appearances for the Hatters and scored three times.

"He is one of many players that encapsulate what we are trying to do at this club," Luton boss John Still told the club website.

"Matthew is a player who has already made a huge contribution to this club and we hope last season's success is the first of many."

Robinson added: "It's nice to have people put faith in you.

"The manager has ambitions to take this club much higher than League 2 and to be a part of that would be amazing."

Barcelona are confident they can keep Lionel Messi

Barcelona are confident they can keep Lionel Messi

By Francisco Acedo


Barcelona are ignoring ongoing speculation regarding Lionel Messi's future and expect him to remain at the club.

Despite being an iconic figure at the Nou Camp, and having spent his entire career to date with the Catalan giants, regular rounds of rumours continue to suggest that Messi could soon be on the move.


Only an elite, and very wealthy, group of clubs could contemplate trying to lure the Argentine forward away from his current home.

Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea possess the financial firepower, though, and would jump at the chance to land the four-time World Player of the year.

Barcelona are aware of the reported interest, but insist they are reading little into it.


They maintain that the 27-year-old, who has passed 400 career goals, is going nowhere and that there is every chance he will see out his playing days with the La Liga heavyweights.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: “The window is now closed and nobody is talking about new signings any more.

“The possibility of Messi moving keeps coming up, but we haven’t considered it.

“He’s very happy here and we’ll have Messi for many years. I hope he’ll retire at our club.”

Five-star Ajax join PSV at summit

Five-star Ajax join PSV at summit

Ajax moved level on points with Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven with a 5-2 win over NAC Breda on a wildly high-scoring day in Holland.

Saturday's five games yielded a combined 30 goals, seven of them at the Rat Verlegh Stadion as Frank de Boer's side emerged triumphant.

They surged into a 3-0 half-time lead, Ricardo van Rhijn's opener the prelude to two goals from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

Stipe Perica twice cut the deficit to two but further goals from Joel Veltman and Sigthorsson, the Iceland forward completing his hat-trick, saw Ajax home.

PSV have the chance to respond against Heerenveen on Sunday but any slip-up will leave not only Ajax but also surprise package PEC Zwolle right there with them.

Zwolle won 4-2 at home to Heracles, who had Mark Engberink sent off with 10 minutes remaining in an incident that was to prove crucial.

It was 2-2 at the time, Zwolle twice leading through Mustafa Saymak's goal and Tomas Necid's penalty but Heracles hitting back through Thomas Bruns and Oussama Tannane.

Engberink's dismissal tipped the game Zwolle's way, though, with Stefan Nijland and Jesper Drost exacting maximum punishment.

Ajax's win, remarkably, was not even the highest-scoring game of the day as Vitesse won 6-2 at Dordrecht with a hat-trick from Valeri Qazaishvili.

Abiola Dauda and Denys Oliynyk scored in the opening 20 minutes and three goals in 10 minutes, Qazaishvili scoring either side of a goal from Wallace, took Vitesse out of sight before Dordrecht finally got on the board.

Jeffry Fortes and Ryan Koolwijk cut the deficit to 5-2 but Qazaishvili appropriately had the final say, completing his treble in the last minute.

Feyenoord won 4-0 away to Go Ahead Eagles, Giliano Wijnaldum's own goal added to by Jens Toornstra, Colin Kazim-Richards and Mitchell te Vrede.

AZ overcame ADO den Haag 3-2 in the day's other game.

Michiel Kramer gave ADO a 42nd-minute lead but AZ were level by half-time thanks to Simon Poulsen. Aron Johannsson and Nemanja Gudelj then gave them victory, despite Roland Alberg pulling one back for the hosts with five minutes to go.

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

Barcelona Unwise to Allow Gerard Pique to Make Manchester United Return

A number of Manchester United supporters might point to the likes of Jaap Stam and Paul Pogba as players Sir Alex Ferguson would regret allowing to leave Old Trafford during his reign at the club.

But others would point to the departure of Gerard Pique in 2008 as a significant error by the wily United boss.

Ferguson had snatched Pique from under the noses of Barcelona in 2004, but after only a handful of appearances for United during his four-year spell, he returned to Camp Nou in a £5 million deal.

One year later, Pique helped Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League final against his former employers in Rome.

It was hardly the gratitude United wanted, but according to AS (per Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express), current Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is going back to the future with a move for Pique.

It is no surprise United are seeking defensive reinforcements, particularly after the embarrassing loss of a 3-1 lead in the 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, and their former player fits the bill perfectly.

Pique played a significant role in Barcelona's dominance of European football under Pep Guardiola, and he has won numerous La Liga titles, Spanish cups and two Champions Leagues during his time at Camp Nou.

However, new Barca head coach Luis Enrique has thus far favoured a central-defensive axis of Jeremy Mathieu and Javier Mascherano, leaving a possible question mark over Pique's future.

But despite the occasional lapse in concentration, Pique epitomises the modern central defender with his excellent passing and natural ability to read the game.

It is little wonder Van Gaal is eyeing Pique for a possible move—he is certainly a better option than the Old Trafford boss currently has—but Barcelona are not going to be rushing to sell the defender.



Believability Meter: Low

It is entirely understandable that United and Van Gaal should be linked with quality defenders such as Pique after their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

However, the Spain international is still only 27 and still offers Barcelona with a strong defensive presence. Don't expect a Camp Nou departure for Old Trafford here.

Andy Carroll and Newcastle United Are a Perfect Fit for January Move

Andy Carroll and Newcastle United Are a Perfect Fit for January Move

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist 


To say that things have not gone smoothly for Andy Carroll since leaving Newcastle United in January 2011 would be an understatement.

The striker joined Liverpool at the same time as Luis Suarez as Kenny Dalglish spent the £50 million gained from the transfer of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

But it was the Uruguay international who would go on to become a major Premier League star as Carroll failed to make his mark and live up to his £35 million price tag.

After 18 months at Anfield, Dalglish's successor, Brendan Rodgers, allowed Carroll to join West Ham United on loan.

The England international went on to sign a permanent deal with the Upton Park club, but his time in east London has been hampered by injuries.

Despite his problems, Alan Oliver of the Sunday People has reported that Newcastle are monitoring Carroll's recovery from surgery on an ankle injury.

According to the article, the forward was the subject of preliminary Newcastle talks in the summer before picking up an injury in pre-season.

However, even if Carroll returns to full fitness soon, he will be facing a fight to return to the West Ham starting XI, with Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho enjoying fruitful starts to the campaign for Sam Allardyce's team.

With the Magpies struggling at the foot of the Premier League and manager Alan Pardew under increasing pressure, the possibility of Carroll returning to the club where he scored 31 times in 80 league appearances is a hugely appealing one.


Believability Meter: High

It is arguable that Carroll and Newcastle are made for each other.

The striker has failed to find the form or fitness that saw Liverpool break the transfer record for a move between British clubs in 2011.

Newcastle are in need of a threat up front and Carroll fits the bill. Expect a loan move in January ahead of a permanent switch.

Manchester United Have Greater Needs Than Kevin Strootman

Manchester United Have Greater Needs Than Kevin Strootman

The link between Manchester United and Kevin Strootman never seems to have gone away, and Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror reported another one this week.

According to the article, the Old Trafford club have been quoted £60 million by Roma for the Netherlands international.

Subsequently, Nadia Carminati of Sky Sports noted that the Italian club's general manager, Mauro Baldissoni, will not be allowing Strootman, who is currently out with a long-term knee injury, to leave.

Baldissoni is quoted as saying:

We can’t wait until Kevin is back on the pitch. We miss him a lot, but he is getting closer to his return.

We are proud that Kevin is part of our squad and he is not for sale.

However, you do not need to be a keen student of the game to realise that a midfielder such as Strootman should be a secondary consideration behind defensive reinforcements for Manchester United in January.

After Mullock's article was published, United let a 3-1 lead slip and crashed to a 5-3 defeat at Leicester City, underlining the issues Louis van Gaal is facing with his back line.

Van Gaal, of course, is well aware of the abilities Strootman possesses after working with him during his time in charge of the Dutch national squad.

However, the Old Trafford boss will be the first to stand up to any over-inflated valuation set by Roma on their player.

Van Gaal will be looking at defensive options in January, the need for which has been highlighted by recent defeats for United. Forcing the price up too far for Strootman is likely to cost the player and Roma.


Believability Meter: High

This is a seemingly never-ending transfer story, one that will provide gossip columns with endless articles until the January transfer window closes.

There is clearly something in it, as it refuses to go away, but Van Gaal will need cash for defensive quality in January rather than paying over the odds to strengthen his midfield.

Manchester City Will Need to Dig Deep to Sign Ross Barkley

Manchester City Will Need to Dig Deep to Sign Ross Barkley

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist


Ross Barkley might have signed a new four-year deal with Everton in July, but that has not stopped the transfer speculation swirling around him once more this week.

Jamie Jackson of The Guardian was among a number of reporters to claim that Manchester City are preparing a summer transfer move for the England international.

According to Jackson, the Etihad Stadium club view Barkley as a possible way around Financial Fair Play rules laid down by UEFA as a home-grown player who could enter the first team immediately after signing.

The 20-year-old is valued at around £30 million by City, although it is unlikely Everton would be willing to sell in any case.

Barkley rose to prominence last season after being handed a run in the first team by manager Roberto Martinez.

His performances for the Toffees also saw him earn a call-up to the England World Cup squad, and he featured in all three of the Three Lions' matches at the tournament.

Jackson claims that City made enquiries for the midfielder in the summer but were put off by the Merseysiders' £50 million valuation.

City manager Manuel Pellegrini will be aware his current squad is at a peak age. With Yaya Toure now aged 31, the need to look to the future in midfield is becoming more important.

But his chances of landing Barkley will depend on Everton's willingness to sell and the player's own wishes.



Believability Meter: Low

The number of newspapers reporting this transfer link on Tuesday suggests something is in the air, and there may well have been a briefing somewhere along the line.

However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has also been linked with a move for Barkley, as Anthony Chapman of the Daily Express reported, and a bidding war may be on the horizon in the unlikely event that the player will be allowed to leave Everton.

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

No Pirlo Party for Galaxy, Interest in Barcelona Star Piqued

By BR UK News , Featured Columnist



We are still three months away from the opening of the January transfer window, but that has not prevented speculation and rumours continuing this week.

Joe Hart, Ross Barkley and Andy Carroll are among the Premier League players to have been linked with moves to rival clubs in the English top flight.

Andrea Pirlo is also interesting a high-profile Major League Soccer club, while Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been linked with a return to Manchester United.

But which moves are plausible? Let's take a closer look at the transfer gossip from this week.

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Bournemouth ease to 2-0 victory over Wigan at Dean Court

Goals in each half from Yann Kermorgant and Simon Francis gave Bournemouth a 2-0 victory over Wigan in an assured display from the Cherries at Dean Court.

Kermorgant headed the hosts into the lead from a Matt Ritchie cross eight minutes before half-time and Francis started and finished a tremendous passing move in the 70th minute to seal the three points and extend Wigan's winless run to four games.

Midfielder Ritchie orchestrated the majority of Bournemouth's attacks in the first half. He surged down the right in the 16th minute and his dangerous cross was hooked away by Ivan Ramis as the lively Callum Wilson was about to convert.

Wilson had already gone close in the third minute, weaving inside of Wigan captain Emmerson Boyce from the left before shooting narrowly wide.

Bournemouth's strong start continued on 18 minutes as Richie failed to connect properly with a shot from 25 yards out, allowing Scott Carson to make a straightforward save.

He made no such mistake from an identical position after 25 minutes, but his signature strike flashed the wrong side of Carson's post.

Ritchie then turned provider for Bournemouth's opener, picking out Kermorgant with a teasing delivery, and the striker outmuscled Robert Kiernan to head the cross back beyond Carson and into the far corner.

Kermorgant had earlier been denied by an excellent one-handed save from Carson after twisting into space in the area, and his goal gave Bournemouth a deserved lead.

Wigan had come close when Emyr Huws cut into space from the right before sending his shot high and wide and again when Ramis headed a corner onto the roof of the net.

Wilson had a superb opportunity to double Bournemouth's lead on the counter-attack in the 59th minute but was forced wide after his initial effort was blocked by a last-ditch sliding challenge from Ramis and Wigan cleared at the second attempt.

Marc-Antoine Fortune brought a routine save from Artur Boruc, making his home debut for Bournemouth after completing a loan move from Southampton, with a bouncing header from a neat cross by Andrew Taylor.

Wigan manager Uwe Rosler looked to give his side some impetus with a double substitution in the 66th minute, replacing Robert Kiernan and Martyn Waghorn with Leon Barnett and Oriol Riera, but it was to no avail.

Four minutes after the swap, they were undone by an intricate passing move.

Wilson dummied Francis' pass, letting it run into the feet of Kermorgant, who returned the ball into onrushing Francis and the defender tucked the ball underneath Carson first time to secure Bournemouth's first league win in seven games.