Hot-shot Benjani goes seven-up while Wigan’s problems mount

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Zimbabwean made the decisive contribution in a painfully mediocre game, his 81st-minute volley finally puncturing Wigan's previously robust defence and paving the way for a victory that maintains Pompey's position on the heels of the top four and underlines the growing problems facing Wigan manager Chris Hutchings.

Glen Johnson celebrates scoring Pompey's second goal

With Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor failing to score, Benjani's fifth goal in three games moved the Portsmouth player clear at the head of the goal-scoring charts, a situation in stark contrast to his first visit to the JJB Stadium in April 2006, when he scored his first goal for the South Coast club after a 14-game barren spell. The transformation from workhorse to goal-threat has obviously delighted Redknapp, who said: 'Benjy's scoring goals which is great, because he has always worked his socks off for us but couldn't score.

'Now he can't stop for us. Ever since I bought him he has done an unbelievable job.He grafts, he runs, the fans love him. He's a fantastic player. He's strong, he's quick and now he is adding goals to his play.'

An excellent individual effort from Glen Johnson, who capped a 50-yard run with a convincing left-foot finish, four minutes after Benjani's opener, completed a victory that was just about deserved. For Wigan, though, the result extended an alarming run that has seen them fail to win in their last seven games and brought just two points from a possible 21.

Without the injured Emile Heskey they lack focus up front, a problem compounded when a back problem forced off Antoine Sibierski just after half-time.

Had Paul Scharner done better with a headed opportunity in the second minute, the home side's fortunes may have changed.

Instead, Hutchings was left to worry over a growing injury list that has exposed the weaknesses in his squad.