Emmerson Boyce's corker was not enough to earn Latics a point

Wigan saw their cushion to the relegation zone cut to just three points as Philippe Senderos headed the Cottagers to an 89th minute victory over a labouring Latics. After a cagey first half, the hosts dominated proceedings and finished the game great value for their three points. Although Emmerson Boyce had put the visitors ahead with an excellent strike on 57 minutes, Fulham retaliated immediately through Pogrebnyak and never looked back.

In comparison to recent hectic contests, the first half was a relatively serene affair. Both sides threatened, but not enough to warrant a goal; though Fulham edged proceedings in terms of shots on goal and possession, Wigan weren’t without their own chances. The biggest talking point of the half came in the very first minute, when Clint Dempsey was upended just inside the Wigan area by Gary Caldwell. Referee Lee Mason decided the challenge wasn’t worthy of a penalty, but I’m sure the 25,000 Fulham fans inside Craven Cottage would beg to differ.

Jordi Gomez, scorer of the winning goal at Arsenal, was responsible for all but one of Wigan’s first-half attempts. I don’t know if Martinez told him to shoot on sight, but he seemed eager to try and test Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal. Gomez did so on two occasions, but neither strike was enough to beat the Australian. Perhaps Wigan’s best chance fell to Victor Moses, who, after working his way into the Fulham are, just could not find the power and placement to challenge the keeper, who pouched it quite comfortably.

The host had their moments, and Ali Al Habsi had to be alert during Fulham’s frequent visits to his penalty area. Not to be caught out, the Omani was quick to smother anything that came close to the Wigan goalmouth, and first repelled Dempsey before safely catching a series of crosses (and one cross-cum-shot).

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