Having beaten Arsenal at home the previous weekend, the Black Cats may have thought that a win against Wigan Athletic was a foregone conclusion – especially after the Latics had gone down 9-1 to Tottenham Hotspur in their previous game.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce had warned his side before the clash that their excellent work againt the Gunners could be undone at the DW Stadium, but it seems his words went unheeded.

The Black Cat never really got out of first gear in the opening 45 minutes, although they did manage an early shot from Kieran Richardson.

But after that it was pretty much one-way traffic as Wigan looked to bounce back from the previous weekend's thumping.

There was no real sign of the hosts still suffering a hangover from the Spurs clash, with Hugo Rodallega proving a thorn in Sunderland's side for much of the afternoon.

The Black Cats opted to start the game with one up front, but at the start of the econd half Fraizer Campbell moved up front as they switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

That move looked like it may pay off with the Wearsiders looking far brighter after the break.

And for a 15 minute spell at the start of the second half, it looked like they may go on to win it.

But after that Wigan went back on to the front foot and never really looked back.

Sunderland did have half chances, but Bruce's men didn't ask enough questions of home keeper Chris Kirkland.

Wigan had a number of chances to go in front, the best falling to Titus Bramble, who headed straight at Marton Fulop in the visitors' goal, and Rodallega.

Eventually, the Latics were rewarded for their dominance as Rodallega fired home on 75 minutes.

Sunderland pushed for a leveller, but it wasn't forthcoming, and Black Cat boss Bruce will no doubt go back to the drawing board as he looks to find a cure for his teams travel sickness and some consistency.