Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester City 1: Dzeko able to end his long wait with assistance from returning Silva

The Bosnian netted his 14th club goal of the season as he steered David Silva’s free-kick into the bottom corner. It was enough to overcome a spirited Wigan side, although the visitors did have chances to make life a little more comfortable against the basement boys, with Dzeko taking the best chance off the toe of Sergio Aguero.

Blues boss Roberto Mancini ended the game in animated conversation with the fourth official after Martin Atkinson’s failure to show Maynor Figueroa a red card for deliberate handball as he denied Aguero a clear run on goal two minutes from time.

Wigan’s adherence to the passing game is laudable but there are times when their supporters would prefer a bit of old-fashioned English-style long ball.

Although the Latics were back-pedalling for most of the half, there were enough occasions when they did work themselves into decent positions yet failed to deliver a cross or a pass that might have put their opponents under pressure, leaving their supporters distinctly agitated.

As it turned out, James McArthur had their best chance, a snap-shot from the edge of the area, which Joe Hart gathered at the second attempt.

Silva, the diminutive Spain international behind so much of the Blues’ most inventive play, returned to the side

With Yaya Toure among the five senior figures missing and Samir Nasri struggling for top form, there was more reliance on him than usual.

Silva had a couple of shots blocked, almost sent Aguero through, and supplied the free-kick for Dzeko’s goal.

The Bosnian had not found the net since November 5, but could not have wished for more accommodating opponents.

Wigan failed to get close enough to Dzeko and as Gary Caldwell and Antolin Alcaraz floundered, the striekr found the bottom corner with a precise header to give City the lead.

Roberto Martinez introduced Ben Watson and Franco Di Santo midway through the half still harbouring hopes of snatching something from the game.

And how close they went too as Hugo Rodallega rolled a pass to James McCarthy on his left and the midfielder forced Hart into his best save of the match but City moved three points clear of champions Manchester United.