Emile Heskey had given the Latics an early lead before Antonio Valencia was sent off in the 34th minute for a two-footed lunge on Wilfred Bouma.

But for all their dominance all Villa could manage in reply was a third goal in as many games from Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Villa were now dominating without carving out many clear-cut openings although Skoko did well to block a fierce shot from Berger.

Filan again did well to turn a header from Olof Mellberg onto the post from Berger’s cross and replays were inconclusive as to whether the ball had fully crossed the line before being cleared away.

Gardner shot over the bar after more good play by Berger but he had strayed marginally offside.

Filan was booked in the 81st minute for time-wasting and Berger and then Barry fired just wide but Wigan held on for a vital point.