Bolton blitz leaves Wigan in their wake

The Trotters could even afford to shrug off a missed Anelka penalty and still claim a second successive league triumph at the Reebok Stadium following their shock victory over Manchester United a fortnight ago

Anelka atoned for the error by tapping home in the last minute - and with old stagers Kevin Nolan and Kevin Davies also among the scorers, Megson is swiftly becoming a worthy successor to the legacy left by Sam Allardyce.

There may still be a few remaining dissenters. But regular chants of 'Ginger Mourinho' were heard from the home fans, and Megson has certainly stabilised a situation that was deteriorating rapidly under Sammy Lee.

Of the two managers going head-to-head this afternoon, it is Wigan boss Steve Bruce who has by far the most to worry about. What Bruce must eradicate before he can even think about dragging the Latics clear of trouble are the self-inflicted wounds that have marred his arrival the JJB Stadium.

Last week, a calamitous Titus Bramble blunder 'gifted' Manchester City a 28-second lead. On Sunday, Wigan lasted slightly longer - but there was still less than three minutes on the clock when Paul Scharner headed into his own net.

However, just as they did eight days ago, Wigan responded to the setback admirably, although there was a comical element to their equaliser as Abdoulaye Meite stuck out a foot to prevent Emmerson Boyce's low cross reaching Emile Heskey, only to see the ball roll perfectly for Denny Landzaat - who found the net in clinical fashion.

Bolton should have been ahead soon after when they were awarded a penalty after Andreas Granqvist blocked Danny Guthrie's bouncing shot with an arm. However, Anelka scooped a woeful spot-kick high over the crossbar.

Thankfully for Bolton's record signing, Nolan was able to spare his blushes before half-time with an impudent flick-shot, which suggested the confidence in the one-time England hopeful was returning following his axing by former boss Lee.

The outcome was still in the balance. But Davies removed any doubt when he completed an unhappy afternoon for Granqvist, getting on the wrong side of the Swedish defender to steer home Diouf's far-post cross from close range. Anelka rounded off the scoring a minute from time, tapping in his ninth goal of a campaign that is suddenly looking full of hope for Bolton.