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, 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 from a James Milner centre but he could not keep his effort down.

A Barry free-kick glanced off the head of Heskey and drifted wide of the far post as Villa stamped their authority on proceedings.

But after a bright opening, Villa found it more difficult to prise open a Wigan side who often put everyone except Mido behind the ball.

And Villa 'keeper Brad Friedel did well to block a shot from Wigan winger Daniel de Ridder after a dummy by Mido from a Mario Melchiot pass had set up the opportunity after 28 minutes.

Heskey threatened in the air for the first time after 40 minutes when he got on the end of a deep Barry cross but his header was directed straight at Chris Kirkland.

But Friedel produced an excellent save in first half injury-time to tip over a Figueroa header from a De Ridder cross.

It was De Ridder's last meaningful contribution as he was replaced at the start of the second half by Hugo Rodallega.

Gardner appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge from Jason Koumas, who appeared to make little contact with the Villa midfielder.

But Villa's protests were more vociferous when Figueroa looked to control a cross from Milner with his hand only for referee Rob Styles to wave play on.

Kirkland was well positioned to hold on to a drive from a narrow angle by Agbonlahor as Villa looked to build some momentum.

Villa came close to breaking the deadlock after 55 minutes when Zat Knight's header back across goal from a Barry free-kick struck the post.

Davies became the first player to be yellow-carded after an hour for a rash challenge on Michael Brown.

Villa launched a late assault and won a free-kick inside the box after Kirkland handled a back pass from Brown.

But Figueroa twice came to the rescue by clearing off the line from both Agbonlahor and Luke Young.

And the Wigan defender was again on his game to block a close-range effort from Agbonlahor.

Teams

Aston Villa Friedel, Cuellar, Knight, Davies, Luke Young,Gardner (Carew 62), Petrov, Barry, Milner, Heskey, Agbonlahor.

Subs Not Used: Guzan, Sidwell, Delfouneso, Salifou, Shorey,

Osbourne.

Booked: Davies.

Wigan Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Boyce, Figueroa,De Ridder (Rodallega 46), Cattermole, Scharner (Watson 77),Brown, Koumas, Mido.

Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Edman, Cywka, Kapo, Camara.

Booked: Brown.

Att: 41,766

Ref: Rob Styles (Hampshire).