Jimmy Bullard and Graham Kavanagh struggled to keep control on young Craig Leadbitter in the centre of midfield, while Dean Whitehead pushed on, pulling the strings.
Jason Roberts and Henri Camara (his goal apart) looked tired after Monday's game with Manchester United, while Teale struggled on the right flank.
Pascal Chimbonda couldn't find a Wigan player with his passes and Leighton Baines had an off day, despite having a hard working McCulloch in front of him.
Here's what the manager's thought.
Paul Jewell
"We were really average, in fact we weren't very good today. We were very good against Manchester United but got no points, and today we did.
"I feel a little bit sorry for Sunderland, they've played well and I bet they are fed up about people saying that about them, but they've got nothing out of the game.
"The game itself didn't have a lot of quality to it but we are delighted with the three points, and a clean sheet, it's the first win in eight games, and arguably our poorest performance! John has made a great save at the end, and I thought he kept us in the game. He made vital saves at vital times.
"Pascal [Chimbonda] did well to put off Jon Stead right at the end, it looked that to all intents and purposes, he was going to score. It was the last thing we wanted, to come here and be the first team to lose here, and Jon Stead hasn't scored, a la Peter Crouch.
"I wouldn't have said there was no pressure but people know they are down and they can play with a little more freedom, and we have to give them credit, they played well.
"The pitch was difficult to play football on and we looked tired and jaded. I think the Manchester United match took an awful lot out of us but I am delighted to be going home with three points."
Kevin Ball
"We could have done without the early goal! He took it well, but it happened and we looked for a reaction after that. To be fair, I got one, the unfortunate thing was that we couldn't get the ball in the back of the net.
"Half-time came at bad time as far as we were concerned. We were in ascendancy then, and it probably enabled Paul Jewell to get amongst his players. They came back into the game a bit more after half-time and it didn't work out for us. I still felt we could score a goal towards the end. Their keeper has pulled off a great save and Chimbonda has just stopped Steady from scoring.
"I enjoyed the occasion in terms of my firs game in charge and it was nice to hear Paul Jewell say what he said about the game, that we were the better of the two sides. At times the players have got to take things on board and actually what we ask of them. Today has certainly given me food for thought.
"I did what I felt was right today in giving Stevie Caldwell the captaincy, and I thought he had a magnificent game, as did Danny Collins. And to be honest, I didn't fee the need for any changes. The players want to go out and show what they can do, but if I do feel the need for changes I don't have any problem with that.
"I do think a lot of positive things came out of the game. We were stretched out as the game went on, but it was a pleasing performance. I would love to have finished with a win for the club and for the supporters."