Sibierski makes it tough viewing for new boy Mido

On a night when Yakubu performed more like a ten-bob footballer than one who is valued at £10m and new signing Jeremie Aliadiere threw the towel in with depressing ease, Boro barely registered a chance against a side who, like them, many predict are in for a long, hard slog of a season.

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Although Stewart Downing hit the post within minutes of Antoine Sibierski burying his 55th-minute winner from close range, after Mark Schwarzer had spilled a routine shot from Antonio Valencia, the visitors struggled from start to finish.

Their passing was slack and their defending against the strength of Emile Heskey an embarrassment. But for Schwarzer, Wigan could have clinched their first win of the season with even more comfort.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate said: "We didn't do enough until they scored and I don't know the reasons for that. We're honest and have to pick ourselves up for Saturday."

Despite this being a surprisingly entertaining encounter, Chris Kirkland did not have a save to make in the Wigan goal.

Sibierski, so many times the saviour for Newcastle last season, became only the second player in Wigan's history to score on his home and away debuts when he leapt on to the loose ball from Valencia's swirling shot to tap home.

The free signing, one of five making their first Wigan appearance at the JJB, should have put the home side in front after just four minutes but shot over.

Valencia twice went close before half-time and Wales midfielder Koumas almost broke the deadlock with a sweet left-foot strike which required a touch from Schwarzer to guide the ball to safety.

Wigan boss Chris Hutchings said of the goal: "It was a real poacher's finish. He popped up at the right time for a brave striker's finish. It is only three points and we're not getting carried away."

Downing suffered a dead leg, which could make him doubtful for Saturday's visit to Fulham, as well as England's friendly against Germany next Wednesday.

WIGAN (4-4-2): Kirkland 6; Melchiot 6, Granqvist 6, Bramble 5, Kilbane 7; Valencia 6, Landzaat 7, Scharner 7, Koumas 6; Sibierski 6 (Agahowa 66, 5), Heskey 8.

Booked: Kilbane.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2): Schwarzer 7; Davies 6, Riggott 5, Wheater 6, Taylor 6; Tuncay 6 (Johnson 71, 5), Boateng 6, Arca 7, Downing 7; Aliadiere 4 (Cattermole 87), Yakubu 5 (Gook Lee 66, 5).

Booked: Tuncay, Johnson, Arca.

Man of the match: Emile Heskey.

Referee: Steve Tanner.