Wigan Athletic 0 Aston Villa 2
Latics failed to score for the 10th time in their last 13 outings at the DW Stadium, and had no answer when Villa upped the ante in the final quarter and scored both their goals.
James Chester put Villa ahead with 17 minutes to go after goalkeeper Matt Gilks was unable to hold on to a Conor Hourihane cross.
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Hide AdAnd the points were safe when substitute Scott Hogan headed home from close range with six minutes to go.
Latics had chances to go in front but were unable to take them.
The best arguably fell to Omar Bogle inside the opening quarter of an hour but, after reading a weak backpass from Mile Jedinak, the striker could only find the side-betting from a tight angle.
Latics are now seven points adrift of safety with only eight games remaining, heading into the fortcoming international break.