After the 9-1 drubbing at Tottenham last weekend every member of that squad had to ask themselves some difficult questions.

Fortunately for them and Roberto Martinez they came up with the right answers in a committed performance against Steve Bruce's Black Cats with striker Hugo Rodallega grabbing the only goal.

"It was for everyone maybe the worst week of their careers," said man of the match Scharner.

"After Tottenham we wished we could have played the next day because it means you can forget your last game.

"It was very quiet the last week on the training pitch. Everyone was focused on doing their best.

"It was a tough week. We were in every day, we didn't have a day off, and you can see it worked.

"For me it was a good response from the whole team. We fought the whole 90 minutes."

Team-mate Titus Bramble, who is more than familiar with criticism during a chequered career, admitted the players knew they had something to prove after the White Hart Lane debacle.

"It was embarrassing. We had to show a response and we did," said the centre-back as Wigan kept their first clean sheet since September 12.

"We defended a lot better and kept a clean sheet, which was pleasing for the whole team."

The visitors, who had beaten Arsenal the previous week, were prevented from getting a foothold in the game as right from the off the Latics began with purpose.

Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland was unfortunate not to score his first goal for the club since his summer move from Championship side Swansea.

His low, curling first-half shot from Charles N'Zogbia's cross beat goalkeeper Marton Fulop but rebounded off the post.

But just when it seemed all their hard work would be good for only a point Hugo Rodallega, the striker Bruce signed for £5million in January to replace Emile Heskey, made the crucial breakthrough.

As he chased Scharner's hopeful lob in the 76th minute defender Paulo da Silva came across to challenge but lost out to his slightly-built opponent.

While the Paraguay international was still picking himself off the floor Rodallega coolly side-footed past Marton Fulop from a narrow angle.

Martinez preferred to concentrate on the team's performance rather than any one individual but did admit Rodallega gave his side a cutting edge.

"Hugo works extremely hard for the team. He got the right reward, it was a clinical finish and he is a magical player," said the Spaniard.

"I don't think we should single anyone out. Jason Scotland worked very hard, he did a job you don't often see because he is away from the ball and he was unfortunate he hit the post."