Former Wigan striker Jason Roberts scored the winner for Blackburn – but sparked a huge row in the process.
Latics boss Roberto Martinez was not the only one who thought the Rovers substitute was offside, even though referee Kevin Friend allowed it to stand.
And Wigan fans could be forgiven for thinking the Leicester official is no ‘Friend’ to them.
He booked a bagful of players in the recent heated showdown against Swansea in the Carling Cup.
And yesterday Friend ruled out a breakthrough ‘goal’ by Charles N’Zogbia for what he judged was a contact foul on Morten Gamst Pedersen before he slotted the ball into the Blackburn net.
But although Martinez felt hard done by, no one could deny Blackburn’s goals were well taken.
Morten Gamst Pedersen
Pedersen’s first of the season was followed by Roberts finishing off a fine attacking move. Little wonder Ewood Park boss Sam Allardyce called them “quality strikes”.
Martinez refused to complain directly to the ref but said pointedly: “I just don’t know what was wrong with N’Zogbia’s goal. It’s a contact sport and there was nothing wrong with it.
“It was a big decision by the referee and a real low point for us. Scoring at that moment was just what we needed.”
Martinez was right to point out that Roberts’ goal “looked offside”. But he added: “Jason was very clever with his movement and it was difficult for the linesman and the ref to make that decision.”
Pedersen’s second-half opener certainly took the eye, even if there was doubt over whether it was meant as a cross rather than a shot.
The hard-working Norwegian sent over a free-kick from the right flank which sailed over the Wigan defence and curled just inside the far post, with keeper Ali Al Habsi well beaten for once.
Jason Roberts
Roberts’ goal – also his first of the campaign – was set up by Brett Emerton, whose cross was stroked home by the eager striker, who looked to be just in front of his marker, from close range.
N’Zogbia was rewarded eventually for his non-stop effort when he rifled home his fourth of the season with a 74th-minute free-kick.
But there was no Wigan revival and Blackburn held on for three precious points as they arrested a slump.
Allardyce admitted the Frenchman’s strike gave his side the jitters, but added: “The quality of our goals pleased me enormously.
“Pedersen finished superbly – and the quality delivery from Emerton for the second was outstanding.
“Jason missed what could have been the winner against Chelsea last week but he gave us victory against Wigan, so I’m pleased for him.”
Blackburn
* 01 Robinson
* 04 Samba
* 05 Givet
* 06 Nelsen
* 27 Salgado
* 28 Jones
* 07 Emerton
* 12 Pedersen
* 10 Diouf (Chimbonda 86)
* 21 Mwaruwari (Roberts 32)
* 41 Diouf (Dunn 46)
Wigan
* 26 Al Habsi
* 02 Gohouriyellow card
* 03 Alcaraz
* 05 Caldwell
* 23 Stam (Boselli 68)
* 31 Figueroa
* 06 Thomas
* 10 N’Zogbia
* 14 Gomez
* 21 Diameyellow card (Di Santo 82)
* 20 Rodallega
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Relieved Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce hailed two “outstanding” goals which swept his side past Wigan and claimed three crucial points at Ewood Park.
Morten Gamst Pedersen swung home a 58th-minute free-kick and Jason Roberts added a cool second eight minutes later before Charles N’Zogbia reduced the deficit late on.
Coming after last week’s fine but ultimately fruitless performance against Chelsea, Allardyce admitted: “We’ve got a reverse scenario today where we’ve haven’t played as well as normal but we’ve got a win.
“The difference between Chelsea and us last week was their quality for their two goals and we scored two outstanding goals today which made the difference between us and Wigan.”
Allardyce reserved particular praise for substitute Roberts, who missed a golden chance against the champions last week but rebounded today with his nerveless 67th-minute finish.
Allardyce added: “Jason’s never let us down at all ever since I’ve been here.
“While he was disappointed about the chance he missed last week, he gave us a very good performance.
“And again today he’s not only had a good performance but he’s scored the winning goal, which is what we want.”
Allardyce dismissed suggestions Pedersen’s opener had a touch of good fortune about it after the Norwegian’s free-kick from the right touchline eluded everybody and curled into the top corner.
Allardyce added: “There was nothing fortuitous about it. He does it every day in training and that’s why you put a left-footer down the right flank.”