Sunderland broke their top flight duck at Wigan were they finally won at the sixth attempt, 4-1, on a windy and rain swept night in the North West. Sunderland have now won four of their six matches since Martin O'Neill took charge although Wigan may feel he needed the luck of the Irish for these three points.
Wigan for their part have only won once at home all season but were clearly aggrieved when the Black Cats took the lead just before the break, but could have no complaints overall as they were made to pay for their mistakes.
The Latics felt that Nicklas Bendtner had not been fouled but Craig Gardner stepped up to fire home direct from the free kick. The home side's sense of injustice compounded by the fact they had already twice hit the woodwork.
Roberto Martinez's team gave themselves a mountain to climb when they carelessly gave away the ball shortly after the restart and from David Vaughan's cross James McClean doubled the visitor's lead with his first ever Premiership goal.
But Wigan quickly replied to give themselves hope of salvaging something from the game as Hugo Rodallega's smart turn and shot reduced the deficit.
Sunderland refused to buckle and simply went through the gears and further capitalised on Wigan's errors.
Bendtner took advantage and his cross set Stephane Sessegnon up for the simplest of chances from close range, then on the break Vaughan followed up a loose ball to bury number four.
Sunderland now move into the top half of the Premiership whilst Wigan remain in the bottom three, two points from safety.
Referee: Mike Dean
Venue: DW Stadium
Attendance:
Wigan scorers: Rodallega 62 Sunderland scorers: Gardner 45, McClean 56, Sessegnon 73, Vaughan 80
TRIBAL ASKS: How many teams who have dispensed with their manager must wish they had appointed Martin O'Neill?
Yellow cards: Stam (WIG)
