Thank goodness this was Wigan and Emile Heskey otherwise it could have been a very different result with Heskey missing two gilt edged chances each side of the break.
On this occasion we had the rub of the green at times, but Wigan were not the only wounded party from an inept performance by referee Dowd.
How ironic was it that we had two players booked for time wasting? Rosicky also went into the book for daring to celebrate his winning goal, oh how lucky us punters are to pay fifty odd quid a game to watch it ruined by Muppets like Dowd.
Lehmann - 7 - A vital finger tip save onto the post from Heskey was vital, he blotted his performance by over doing the piss taking of Kirkland's time wasting antics, but it was fun to watch.
Hoyte - 5 - Got caught out of position on too many occasions and made a shaky defence look even more nervy. (Aliadiere 67)
Toure - 6 - Not one of his most dominating performances, but was not helped by a ropey display from much of the back four.
Djourou - 5 - For a big bloke he was far to easily out muscled tonight, went off with a suspected brokern nose after connecting with Heskeys elbow, still Andy Gray said it was nothing so he can take comfort from that in the morning! (Adebayor 51)
Clichy - 8 - A tremendous performance yet again from Gael, looked one of our most dangerous players going forward and was tenacious in his tackling.
Walcott - 6 - Caused Wigan a lot of problems with his pace but needs to improve his final ball and have the confidence to have a go himself from time to time. (Flamini 67)
Fabregas - 6 - The volume of games he plays are bound to have an effect on his performances and after international week he looked a little jaded.
Gilberto - 6 - Had a ropey game but excelled when switched to centre back, very interesting.
Rosicky - 7 - Incredibly his winning goal was his first in the premiership, looked lively for the 90 minutes.
Baptista - 6 - Started well enough but faded in the second half.
Henry - 6 - Thierry really should have had a hatrick in the first half and his scoring boots did not return in the second, needlessly got involved in goading Kirkland, the captain really should know better.
Subs
Adebayor - 6 - (51) Had a hand in the build up to both our goals, he still has a tendency to get caught offside unnecessarily though.
Flamini - 5 - (67) Tenacious as ever and proved his worth as a valuable member of the squad.
Aliadiere - 6 - (67) Really looks sharp of late and perhaps deserves an extended run in the team as this is surely his last chance to show us what he can do now his injury problems seem behind him.
Subs Not Used: Almunia, Denilson.