M.E.N. Sport's Stuart Brennan assesses Wigan's players after their 3-0 win over Sunderland at the JJB Stadium.

Kirkland: Made two good saves from Chopra early in the first half but had little to do after that 6

Melchiot:  Played a real captain's part, solid in the tackle, inspirational and launched a few attacks as well 7

Kilbane: Looks like he has played at left-back for his entire career and provided good support for Koumas 6

Bramble: Grew in confidence as the game progressed, and he is a formidable obstacle for any attack in this mood 7

Granqvist: Just as hard to get around as Bramble, and he uses the ball well into the bargain 7

Valencia: Great battling run and cross down the right flank to create the opening goal, and played his part thereafter 7

Landzaat: Kept the midfield ticking with neat, short passing and his quick thinking nearly gave Heskey a second goal 8

Scharner: Came into his own once Wigan were in front, influential, hard-working and strong in the middle 7

Koumas: Should have had a first half penalty and his skill and set-piece ability were a feature of Wigan's dominance 8

Sibierski: Tremendous display by the man booed for his Newcastle connection. Link-up play and aerial ability created chaos 9

Heskey: Sunderland could not afford to concentrate on Sibierski with this man around, terrorising defenders 8

Substitutes:

Aghahowa (for Sibierski 76): Has his work cut out getting into team 5

Folan (for Heskey 78): Hard-working cameo 6

Brown (for Scharner 84): No real time to make debut impact 5

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