Ryan Taylor put the hosts ahead through a delightful free-kick in the 29th minute.

Egypt striker Zaki doubled Wigan's advantage in the 73rd minute to notch his ninth league goal this season.

The 25-year-old found the net for the first time since scoring the winner in Wigan's 2-1 victory over Portsmouth on the first of November.

His progress was hampered by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several matches during the past six weeks.

A Danny Guthrie penalty two minutes from time narrowed the gap but Wigan held onto their lead to claim a precious win.

Wigan's second successive victory moved them into ninth spot in the table with 25 points.

Lively

Zaki, who joined Wigan on a season-long loan from Zamalek in the close season, was one of the liveliest performers at the JJB Stadium.

Although he started as a striker alongside Emile Heskey, he repeatedly moved to the left flank to whip in crosses to his teammates.

In the 25th minute, Zaki's superb cross found Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia, whose effort narrowly missed the target.

Taylor grabbed the lead when Newcastle keeper Shay Given failed to deal with his brilliant curling free-kick.

Zaki extended the gap in the second period via a penalty after Heskey was brought down by Sebastien Bassong, who was consequently sent off.

Although Given dived the right way, he couldn't stop the Bulldozer's powerful spot kick.

Guthrie pulled one back late in the game from a penalty when Wigan keeper Chris Kirkland clumsily punched substitute Andy Carroll while trying to clear the danger.

Watch Zaki's goal