In an error-strewn first half, the Black Cats were a world removed from the team which had deservedly beaten Arsenal at the Stadium of Light the previous week.

In contrast, Wigan, humbled 9-1 at Spurs last Sunday, visibly grew in confidence as Sunderland faltered and should have taken the lead just before the half-hour when Jason Scotland's low shot cannoned out of Marton Fulop's post.

Fulop was by far the busier keeper on an afternoon when his opposite number, Chris Kirkland, did not have a single save to make.

The Wearsiders might still have escaped with an away point, but the fateful moment came in the 75th minute when a long ball forward from Wigan saw Hugo Rodellega come out better as he challenged for the ball with Paulo Da Silva.

The striker drove a low shot across Fulop and into the bottom corner from left of goal as Sunderland players protested, possibly about a handball, but the goal stood and the Wearsiders were unable to get back on level terms despite a late surge.

It was hard lines for the long-suffering travelling fans but the players themselves could hardly complain after a game in which they didn't muster a single shot on target.

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