Defoe's return begins on a sour note

Wigan 1 Tottenham 0: Jermain Defoe's return to Tottenham from Portsmouth began badly as Maynor Figueroa snatched a late winner…

Wigan 1 Tottenham 0:Jermain Defoe's return to Tottenham from Portsmouth began badly as Maynor Figueroa snatched a late winner to give Wigan a 1-0 victory at the JJB Stadium.

The England striker, watched by national team boss Fabio Capello, did not have a single shot on goal as Spurs struggled to match their hosts' energy and invention.

In a game short on chances the breakthrough finally came in the 91st minute when left-back Figueroa headed home Ryan Taylor's corner.

It was the Honduran's first goal for the club since arriving last January and typified the spirit which manager Steve Bruce has engendered among his squad.

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With Emile Heskey and Zaki returning after injury both lacked a little sharpness and so it was important other members of the side did their bit.

Figueroa's goal secured Wigan's fifth successive Barclays Premier League victory at the JJB Stadium and, on the balance of chances, deserved their win.