Roberts double puts Wigan in control - round-up

Jason Roberts’ double and Lee McCulloch’s header cancelled out Antoine Sibierski’s opener as Wigan took a 3-1 lead over Manchester City into the interval at the JJB Stadium.

Sibierski continued his fine run of form by heading City into an early lead from David Sommeil.

But the lead only lasted until the 11th minute when Roberts found space and tucked away his third goal in two games.

A powerful header from McCulloch then nudged the Latics ahead midway through the first half, before Roberts showed strength for his second.

Michael Owen’s return to Anfield was overshadowed as Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch gave Liverpool a half-time advantage over Newcastle.

Gerrard latched on to a Crouch’s lay-off in the 14th minute before bursting into the penalty area and finishing in the top corner. Crouch’s shot was then diverted across the Newcastle line by visiting keeper Shay Given.

Former Liverpool striker Owen started in attack for the visitors along with Alan Shearer but neither could find a way past Jose Reina in the first 45 minutes.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp guided his new side to a half-time lead at Fratton Park over his former club West Ham.

Gary O’Neil’s scuffed shot from Laurent Robert’s cross sent Roy Carroll the wrong way as Pompey went into the break 1-0 ahead.

Shefki Kuqi struck seven minutes before half-time to give Blackburn a 1-0 lead over Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

The Finland striker headed home from Brett Emerton’s cross as Rovers looked to repeat their Carling Cup victory against the same opposition.

Paul Scholes opened the scoring for Manchester United against West Brom at Old Trafford.

The former England midfielder finished with 10 minutes remaining in the opening half to give United the lead, before Rio Ferdinand headed in a second to make it 2-0 at the break.

Meanwhile, bottom club Sunderland held Bolton to a goalless scoreline in the first half at the Stadium of Light.