Newcastle 3-0 Wigan: Ba double sinks Latics

Newcastle ended their run of four consecutive league defeats with a comfortable 3-0 win over Wigan at St James' Park.

Two goals from the prolific Demba Ba and a sensational effort from youngster Gaël Bigirimana sealed the three points for the Magpies and lifted the pressure off manager Alan Pardew.

The game began in controversial fashion with the sending off of Wigan’s Maynor Figueroa after 12 minutes.

It seemed a harsh decision from referee Mike Jones as Figueroa’s shoulder challenge on Papiss Cisse looked perfectly legal, but the Wigan defender was shown red despite his teammate’s protests.

Ba converted the resulting penalty and doubled his tally 10 minutes later with a simple tap in after Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi fumbled Davide Santon’s long range drive.

Wigan’s talisman forward Arouna Kone did his best to get his side back into the game with some superb solo runs, but his efforts were in vain as the visitors conceded yet again with 20 minute left to play, with 19-year-old Newcastle substitute Bigirimana ending the contest with a stunning long-range strike.