Manchester: Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi's first-half blunder gifted third-place Manchester City a 1-0 victory in the English Premier League at Eastlands on Saturday.
Spain midfielder David Silva's low shot in the 38th minute should have been easily scooped up by Al Habsi but the Oman international allowed the ball to dribble into the back of the net.
A tired-looking City was unconvincing throughout but did just enough to earn a crucial win that narrowed the gap to second-place Arsenal to four points, although the Gunners have a game in hand.
Wigan, which remained bottom of the table, created enough chances in the second half to claim a point in the northwest derby.
Silva, who was also on target in the 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in a fifth-round FA Cup replay on Wednesday, was City's most impressive player and saw an early shot drift just wide of Al Habsi's post.
That was City's only chance of note before the goal, which Al Habsi will rue as he was right behind the effort by Silva from 12 yards (metres) out.
The Wigan keeper didn't get down low enough, however, and the ball brushed against his fingers and dribbled away from his grasp, before creeping over the line in agonising fashion.
At the other end, James McCarthy smashed a shot narrowly wide after pouncing on Vincent Kompany's loose clearance in the 30th and the Latics wasted more chances after the break.
Antolin Alcaraz nonchalantly flicked a volley against the woodwork following a corner in the 50th and McCarthy's fierce drive was too close to City goalkeeper Joe Hart minutes later.
Hugo Rodallega brought a low save out of Hart in the 88th before substitute Connor Sammon pulled a close-range effort wide in injury time.
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