It took a long time coming, nearly seven months to be precise, but Michael Owen finally ended Newcastle's long goal drought when he powered home Obafemi Martins' inviting cross from the right three minutes from time.

But you can bet the majority of those 50,000 frustrated home fans didn't think it would come after United continued to miss chance after chance after chance and Owen was guiltier than most.

The England striker, who netted his first goal in black and white stripes when he scuffed home against Barnsley in the Carling Cup on Wednesday had a wretched afternoon in front of goal.

Yet he will go home a hero after extending the club's unbeaten league and cup run to five games. To say the former Liverpool and Real Madrid man was a little rusty would be an understatement. Owen wasted three guilt edged chances before he finally netted. They would have been bad misses for any striker never mind a striker of Owen's calibre.

The first, after 17 minutes saw him bearing down on goal in acres of space, but the subsequent shot was tipped around the post by an excellent Chris Kirkland. The second effort, on 28 minutes, saw him lob the ball over the keeper when he had time and space to do better and on the third, midway through the second half he wanted more time than would be needed to turn a tractor in a field. But if a striker is measured on goals then there are not many better.

Two starts and two goals isn't a bad return. The victory, rather than the performance, will have sent Mike Ashley home a happy man.

The club's owner made his Premier League debut in the stands - still sporting his black and white replica shirt. And his entourage seemed to enjoy themselves joining in with the home crowds' chants and songs as the match kicked off.

Owen's strike partner Mark Viduka had an exceptional opening 45 minutes before he went off with a hamstring injury. His first touch and hold up play was superb and he was clearly missed. New boy Claudia Cacapa was impressive and looked everything a Newcastle defender hasn't been in recent years - strong, assured and comfortable on the ball. He was well supported by central defensive partner David Rozehnal, who played with confidence and strolled through the game, as did the improving Charles N'Zogbia.

To be fair Newcastle should have killed the game early against the ten man side who had Kevin Kilbane sent off after less than 32 seconds of the second half for his second bookable offence. Aside from Owen, Nicky Butt had a couple of chances, Shola Ameobi was also guilty of missing a good opportunity as was Stephen Taylor.

Wigan might feel harshly done to. Referee Steve Bennett seemed to give most 50/50 decisions the way of the home side and Kilbane's sending off was a little harsh. Titus Bramble, who played well on his return to Tyneside, was given a good reception from the home crowd, who mischeviously chanted "Bramble for England" and "There's only one Titus Bramble". And Antoine Sibierski was also given a good reception when he made way in a tactical change early in the second period.

Nevertheless, despite making hard work of it against a side who are tipped for relegation United are fifth and still unbeaten.