THE M.E.N.'s Mike Whalley gives his verdict on the player's performance after this match saw Wigan seal their first victory.

POLLITT: Vital saves in both halves; from Dean Whitehead in the first and Jon Stead in the second ... 8

CHIMBONDA: Looked good going forward after a shaky first 20 minutes at the back ... 6

HENCHOZ: A block and a goalline clearance in the first five minutes allowed Wigan to grow into their lead ... 8

DE ZEEUW: One or two hairy first-half moments aside, it's as if the Dutchman has never been away ... 7

BAINES: Defensively strong and whipped in some excellent crosses ... 7

TAYLOR: On a high after his England Under-21 call-up ... 7

FRANCIS: Patrolled central midfield effectively and kept his passing simple ... 7

KAVANAGH: Great to see him back after injury, although he could do with another few games under his belt ... 5

McCULLOCH: Provided a burst of energy before he tired in the second half ... 6

BULLARD: Seemed to be everywhere; perhaps there are two of him ... 7

ROBERTS: Strong in the air, skilful on the ground; deserved to score Wigan's first Premiership goal ... 7

SUBSTITUTES

MAHON (for Kavanagh, 70): Desperately unlucky to hit the post laste on ... 6

JACKSON (for Henchoz, 83): Ensurted that Wigan held on for the win ... 6

Not used: Walsh, McMillan, Johansson.

SUNDERLAND (4-3-3)

Davis; Nosworthy, Breen, Stubbs, Arca; Le Tallec, Miller, Whitehead; Elliott, Stead (Gray 63), Welsh (Woods 67). Not used: Alnwick,Cladwell, Robinson.

GOALS: Wigan: Roberts pen (1)

BOOKINGS: Wigan: McCulloch (39), Chimbonda (40), Henchoz (77). Sunderland: Arca (89), Whitehead (90).

REFEREE: Steve Bennett (Kent): Controlled a scrappy game well and got the penalty decision right ... 7

ATTENDANCE: 17,223

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