Wigan Athletic Routed 6-1 by Peterborough in League One
In a match that exposed the depths of Wigan Athletic's current woes, Peterborough United delivered a devastating 6-1 victory over the struggling Latics at the Weston Homes Stadium. The February 7, 2026, League One clash saw 22-year-old forward Kyrell Lisbie etch his name into the EFL history books with his first professional hat-trick, propelling Peterborough back to winning ways while leaving Wigan's survival hopes in tatters.
Match Overview: A Tale of Two Halves
The game kicked off at a blistering pace for the home side. Just seven minutes in, Lisbie opened the scoring with a simple tap-in from Tom Lees' precise cross from the right flank. The young striker, who has now netted six goals in his last seven outings, was in unstoppable form. Barely two minutes later, he doubled his tally, heading home another Lees assist from a quick Cian Hayes free-kick. Peterborough thought they'd made it three when Harry Leonard found the net, but the goal was chalked off for offside.
Wigan, playing against their former loanee Joe Taylor, managed a brief respite in the 27th minute. Taylor, now with Huddersfield, slotted home a low shot into the bottom corner, assisted by Charlie Wright, to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, that hope was short-lived. Before halftime, Jimmy-Jay Morgan rose highest to head in the rebound after his initial effort struck the bar, sending Peterborough into the break leading 3-1.
The second half offered little mercy for Wigan. Despite a solid save from Peterborough keeper Alex Bass to deny Callum Murray early on, the floodgates opened. In the 68th minute, Leonard atoned for his earlier offside drama by nodding in Morgan's cross to make it 4-1. Substitute Pemi Aderoju added a fifth with a clinical finish in the 84th minute, before Lisbie sealed his hat-trick in the 90th with a sublime strike following James Dornelly's shot off the bar.
Key Player Performances
Kyrell Lisbie was the undisputed star of the show, his clinical finishing and movement terrorizing Wigan's defense throughout. The 22-year-old's hat-trick not only boosted Peterborough's attack but also highlighted their depth, with assists from Lees (twice), Morgan, and B. Khela underscoring the team's cohesive play under manager Luke Williams.
For Wigan, Joe Taylor's goal was a bright spot, but it couldn't mask the defensive frailties. Manager Ryan Lowe's side looked disjointed, conceding three goals in the first half alone. Taylor's strike against his old club added a layer of irony, but it did little to stem the tide of Wigan's poor form.
Wigan's Relegation Nightmare Deepens
This defeat marks Wigan Athletic's seventh loss in their last 10 league matches, extending their winless run to seven games. Sitting perilously low in the League One table, the Latics are now firmly embroiled in a relegation battle. With attendance at 8,443 witnessing the rout, the pressure on Ryan Lowe is mounting. Fans are growing restless, and whispers of a potential managerial change are growing louder.
Wigan's season has been a stark contrast to their more successful campaigns in recent years. Historically known for their Premier League stints and FA Cup triumphs, the club has struggled since financial woes forced a points deduction and relegation battles. This latest humbling against a resurgent Peterborough – who were looking to bounce back themselves – serves as a stark reminder of the work needed to stabilize.
League One's competitiveness this season is evident from the weekend's results: Luton edged Bradford 2-1, Port Vale drew with Burton 2-2, and Lincoln stunned Plymouth 4-1. Wigan's position looks increasingly precarious, with teams like Northampton and Wycombe pulling away at the bottom. Lowe will need to rally his squad quickly, perhaps with tactical tweaks or squad reinforcements, to avoid a drop to League Two.
Peterborough's Resurgence
On the flip side, Peterborough United under Luke Williams are showing signs of climbing the table. Lisbie's emergence as a key threat, combined with contributions from Morgan, Leonard, and Aderoju, suggests a potent attacking lineup. Williams' quick, transitional style overwhelmed Wigan, and if they maintain this momentum, playoff contention isn't out of reach.
Broader Implications for Wigan Athletic
Beyond the immediate result, this match raises questions about Wigan's long-term strategy. The club, based in Greater Manchester, has a passionate fanbase and a rich history, including that memorable 2013 FA Cup win over Manchester City. However, recent administrations and ownership changes have hampered progress. Lowe, appointed to steady the ship, now faces a defining period. Upcoming fixtures against mid-table sides like Stockport and Leyton Orient will be crucial tests.
Analysts point to defensive lapses as a core issue – Wigan have conceded heavily in recent outings. Integrating youth like Taylor more effectively could help, but without points soon, the survival fight will intensify. As League One heats up, Wigan's fans will hope for a turnaround, drawing on the club's resilient spirit.
In the end, this 6-1 drubbing is more than a scoreline; it's a wake-up call. Wigan Athletic must regroup, adapt, and fight back to salvage their season. For now, the road ahead looks daunting, but football's unpredictability offers a sliver of hope.
Report informed by PA Media and BBC Sport. All stats and events as of February 7, 2026.
