Wigan vs. Liverpool: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

The first minute of the match went well for Wigan, but the other 89 featured a stunning display of dominance from Liverpool en route to a 4-0 victory in this English Premier League matchup. 

A better touch from Latics striker Arouna Kone after a cross just seconds into the game would likely have produced a fine opportunity. But in the blink of an eye, Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina had collected the ball and rocketed it down to Philippe Coutinho on the other end of the pitch. 

The Liverpool new-boy delivered a superb cross to Stewart Downing, who calmly headed the ball home in the second minute of the match. Coutinho was not done distributing, and a through-ball to Luis Suarez in 18th minute resulted in his second assist of the match.  

With a 2-0 lead in hand, the Uruguayan took over the spotlight. He was lucky to receive a deflection off his free kick in the 34th minute, and the ball squeaked by Wigan keeper Ali Al-Habsi. 

The Reds held a commanding 3-0 at halftime, and Suarez erased all doubt about how this match would end when Glen Johnson put him through on goal just four minutes after play resumed. The star striker delivered a textbook finish to complete his hat trick. 

Liverpool's performance was every bit as dominant as the scoreline suggests, and Brendan Rodgers will be extremely pleased with his side. 

Grades

Luis Suarez, Liverpool: A+

Liverpool has aspirations to be one of Europe's top clubs again, and to do this, it will need world-class players. There is no doubt that Suarez fits this description. 

His incredible performance in this match gives him 21 Premiership goals this season, and he has surpassed Manchester United's Robin van Persie for the league lead. 

Arouna Kone, Wigan: C-

The Ivorian has been Wigan's most dangerous goal-scorer this season, but that was not in any way apparent in this match. He had the team's best opportunity in the opening moments of the match, and failed to take advantage. 

But he mostly deserves his poor marks for completely disappearing after his early failed attempt. The Latics put no pressure on the Liverpool back line in this match, and Kone deserves blame for this. 

Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool: A

Early on, it appeared that the young Brazilian would be the man of the match. While Suarez firmly grabbed that honor, Coutinho still had an excellent outing. 

He has been a delight since arriving at Anfield in the January transfer window, and he certainly has a bright future in Merseyside. 

Ali Al-Habsi, Wigan: D

The Latics keeper has had a few fantastic performances this season, but this was not one of them. He is capable of producing acrobatic saves, but he also proved in this match that he the potential for shocking lapses in concentration. 

He should have made it much harder for Liverpool to score in this match and will need to be much better going forward in this campaign. 

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool: B

The Liverpool skipper turned in a perfectly acceptable performance, but neither he nor any of the other midfielders made a significant impact on the match. 

This victory was all about the Reds front line. Gerrard only had to put the ball on the feet of his forward players, then stand back and watch them work. 

What's Next

Liverpool will take the pitch next for a Premier League match against Tottenham on Sunday, March 10. 

Wigan will try to bounce back with a victory against Everton in their FA Cup fixture on Saturday, March 9.