N´Zogbia snatches controversial Wigan win

Wigan midfielder Charles N’Zogbia snatched a controversial winner to secure a 2-1 victory at Sunderland on Saturday.

Steve Bruce’s side won for the first time in nine matches when N’Zogbia ran through to slot home while Sunderland’s players and fans appealed for the game to be stopped so Kenwyne Jones could receive treatment for a head injury.

Wigan had taken the lead through Ben Watson early on but Grant Leadbitter levelled for the hosts before N’Zogbia won it on the stroke of half-time.

With Lee Cattermole starting a four-match ban, Wigan boss Steve Bruce handed Watson a start as the visitors looked for a first league win in nine outings.

Sunderland looked out of sorts in the early stages as Djibril Cisse sliced a long-range effort well wide. Wigan sensed an opportunity to strike while the hosts found their feet and took the lead in the 12th minute.

Watson was allowed time and space on the edge of the box as the Sunderland defence backed away and he smashed a shot past Marton Fulop for his first goal since signing from Crystal Palace.

Sunderland had created little but they were almost back on terms with 17 minutes gone when Andy Reid’s shot took a wicked deflection and produced a fine save from Chris Kirkland, who recovered superbly to block Steed Malbranque’s follow up.

Cisse decided to shoot when a pass to Leadbitter would have been the better option and his effort failed to trouble Kirkland.

The Frenchman was looking the man most likely to create a chance for the hosts though and he crossed to Reid, whose shot straight at Kirkland.

Sunderland’s pressure paid off in the 41st minute. Cisse and then Kenwyne Jones helped on Fulop’s clearance and Leadbitter stabbed it past the Kirkland.

However, Wigan were back in front in controversial circumstances just four minutes later. With Jones down injured after suffering a head injury, the hosts appealed for play to stop but N’Zogbia ran from his own half to beat Fulop.

Sunderland appealed for penalty when Titus Bramble tangled with Jones but Dean waved away their protests.

Fulop was left exposed by Sunderland’s leaky defence when N’Zogbia played in Paul Scharner, only for the Austria international to see Fulop save well with his legs.

Watson came close to adding to his tally with 17 minutes remaining when he sent a dipping free-kick over the wall and saw Fulop pull off a good save to prevent it from nestling in the bottom corner.

Leadbitter thought he had levelled once again when he turned Daryl Murphy’s cross home, but an offside flag ruled out the strike.