Amr Zaki scored his eighth Premier League goal as Wigan Athletic needed a last-gasp Emile Heskey strike to defeat Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park on Saturday. The Egypt striker converted a penalty just before halftime to put the Latics ahead. Croatian midfielder Niko Kranjcar drew Portsmouth level eight minutes from time to atone for the numerous opportunities his teammates wasted. But England striker Heskey notched home deep into stoppage time to give Wigan their first victory in five matches. Wigan moved into 16th place of the table with 11 points while Portsmouth are ninth on 14 points. Zaki had an early chance to fire the visitors ahead but his superb header went just wide of the post. The Bulldozer was seen everywhere on the pitch, with his energetic runs and interceptions unsettling Pompey's defense. But Zaki's teammates did not provide him with much support. Wigan coach Steve Bruce recently said his midfielders should be more creative when feeding the Egyptian and his striking partner Emile Heskey. However, Zaki had a chance to reap the rewards of his efforts when Wigan were awarded a deserved penalty after Papa Bouba diop brought down Titus Bramble inside the area. The combative striker fired home straight down the middle with David James going the wrong way.
Heskey scored the winner Zaki took his tally to eight goals in 11 games. He is joint top scorer in the Premier League with Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka, who scored a hat-trick in the Blues' 5-0 drubbing of Sunderland. Sloppy Defending Portsmouth, who piled on pressure in the second half, were guilty of squandering a host of clear-cut chances to grab the equalizer. They were also unlucky that some of those opportunities were denied by the post. Wigan's shaky defense allowed Portsmouth forwards to burst into the area without facing any trouble. But Pompey's efforts paid dividends in the 82nd minute when Kranjcar's low drive from inside the area went through the legs of Chris Kirkland and into the net. Zaki was replaced with two minutes remaining, making way for Senegalese striker Henri Camara. Portsmouth defenders were not in better shape than their opponents as Wigan forwards got the better of them on several occasions but couldn't convert their chances. But veteran striker Heskey scored the invaluable winner two minutes into stoppage time when he latched onto Lee Cattermole's deft pass before slotting past the advancing keeper. Watch Zaki's goal
