De Zeeuw confident that Wigan won’t crack

Wigan 1 Tottenham 2

Paul Jewell’s side have suffered a north London lapse in the space of eight days, with Spurs following neighbours Arsenal in conquering Wigan on home soil at the JJB Stadium.

The source of the Latics’ back-to-back defeats has been uncharacteristic errors and, as Jewell rightly points out, at Premiership level you pay the penalty for such mistakes.

After goalkeeper John Filan gifted the opener to the Gunners in their 3-2 win, centre-back De Zeeuw followed suit yesterday to hand the initiative to Spurs.

Robbie Keane capitalised on the eighth-minute blunder from which Wigan failed to recover, despite dominating the game in terms of possession.

Now following Wednesday’s Carling Cup fourth-round tie at home to Newcastle, they travel to Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premiership.

It is a run of games in which Wigan could crumble, but 35-year-old De Zeeuw insists that will not happen.

“On a personal note this is definitely a low because it was a stupid mistake to make at the beginning of the match,” said De Zeeuw. “I took my eye off the ball for a split second, it took a poor bounce, and I didn’t get my body behind it. We know it’s two on the trot after such a great run. Obviously it’s horrible losing and everybody hates it.”

Instead, the touch of class required came from Spurs, and in particular Edgar Davids who effectively killed the game off with a stunning solo strike in the 77th minute.

“He provides a steely determination, and that is rubbing off on everybody else,” said keeper Paul Robinson.

“Edgar is a good character to have around, but then we’ve a dressing room full of good characters.

“We’re a strong bunch of lads and a quality bunch of players, and he is a great addition.”

Opta Fact: Wigan have lost their four games in the Premiership to four London clubs.

Opta Fact: Edgar Davids is the joint-most booked in the Premiership with seven yellow cards.