Latics hold Villa to draw

Wigan, who have agreed a fee with Newcastle for defender Charles N'Zogbia, had displayed their fighting qualities in holding Liverpool in mid-week.

And the Latics again proved their worth by claiming a point at Villa Park on a frustrating afternoon for the home fans.

Villa started brightly and Gabriel Agbonlahor used his pace to skip past Latics defender Emmerson Boyce. His cross fell to Craig Gardner but he could only fire well wide.

But after a bright opening, Villa found it more difficult to prise open their opponents and, at the other end, Villa keeper Brad Friedel did well to block a shot from Daniel de Ridder.

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

Friedel produced an excellent save in first-half injury-time to tip over a Maynor Figueroa header.

At the start of the second half, Gardner appealed in vain for a penalty after a challenge from Jason Koumas. And Villa's protests were more vociferous when Figueroa looked to control a cross from James Milner with his hand.

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.

Villa launched a late assault and won a free-kick inside the box after Kirkland handled a back pass from Michael Brown. But Figueroa twice came to the rescue by clearing off the line from both Agbonlahor and Luke Young.