Premier League: Manchester City 1 Wigan 0

Manchester City returned to winning ways in the English Premier League thanks to a howler from Wigan’s on-loan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

The Oman goalkeeper fumbled David Silva’s first-half strike into the net to gift the three points to the Blues and leave the Latics rock-bottom on the table.

The 1-0 scoreline was tough on Roberto Martinez’s side – who controlled much of the play – but they lacked any real threat in the final third in what proved a disappointing encounter.

The three points will be huge relief to Martinez’s opposite number Roberto Mancini as his jaded-looking side cemented their Champions League place – five and six points clear of Chelsea and Tottenham respectively – although they have played two games more.

Carlos Tevez and Vincent Kompany came back into the starting line-up alongside Yaya Toure – 48 hours after it was revealed that his brother and team-mate Kolo had failed a drugs test.

City started brightly and forced the first save, with Al-Habsi getting enough on Mario Balotelli’s swerving effort to turn it around the opposite post from the one he had intended.

Tevez went close midway through the half when he weaved past two Wigan challenges into the area before pulling his shot just wide.

Silva then dragged a shot inches wide from the edge of the box before Wigan created their best opportunity of the half when Victor Moses’ cross was half cleared to James McCarthy, who blasted over.

Silva finally gave City the lead in the 39th minute, thanks to a huge helping hand from Wigan.

Piscu was first to slip as his fellow Spaniard drove into the box. Then, when he unleashed a near-post shot, Al-Habsi let the ball dribble through his fingers and between his legs.

The visitors started the second half strongly and went close when Antolin Alcaraz flicked a near-post volley into the side netting.

McCarthy then hit a fierce volley which Joe Hart tipped away as Wigan put City under intense pressure.

At the other end, Balotelli felt he should have had a penalty when his cross appeared to strike McCarthy’s arm, but City were struggling to contain their opponents.

Wigan almost stole an equaliser in injury time, but Hugo Rodallega shot weakly at Hart from the edge of the box before Connor Sammon dragged wide from closer range – Wigan’s best chance of the game in the 93rd minute.