Aston Villa 0 Wigan 0: Final whistle report
Aston Villa missed out on the chance to climb into second spot in the Barclays Premier League after being held at home by Steve Bruce's battlers.
Wigan, who have agreed a fee with Newcastle for defender Charles N'Zogbia, had showed their mettle in holding Liverpool in midweek.
And the Latics again proved their worth by claiming a point at Villa Park on a frustrating afternoon for the home fans.
Wigan often had to resort to desperate last-ditch defending during the second half, when they were penned back for lengthy periods.
But their back four were prepared to put their bodies on the line with Titus Bramble and Maynor Figueroa outstanding.
Villa, for whom Gareth Barry and Stiliyan Petrov pulled the strings in midfield, are still unbeaten in 12 league games, from which they have collected 28 points.
But this was a golden opportunity to climb above Liverpool and Chelsea, before they meet tomorrow, and put the pressure on Manchester United at the top.
Before the game, fans from both sides joined in a minute's applause in celebration of former Villa skipper Johnny Dixon, who led the side to the 1957 FA Cup final triumph, and ex-manager and player Vic Crowe after their recent deaths.
Wigan pushed Paul Scharner into a midfield role in a 4-5-1 formation with Mido as the only out-and-out striker.
Villa started brightly and Gabriel Agbonlahor used his pace to skip past Latics defender Emmerson Boyce and, although his cross went behind Emile Heskey, it dropped into the path of Craig Gardner.
But he opted to attempt a first-time shot when he had time to control the ball and his effort flew well wide.
Villa centre-back Curtis Davies was allowed a free header
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