Manchester City and now West Hams hopes of Europe look slim after defeats, meaning Wigan will now be fighting with Bolton, Arsenal, Blackburn and possibly Everton for those ellusive UEFA Cup spots.
Here is what the national newspapers had to say about Wigan's vital victory over Manchester City.
The Times
Wigan set for happy ending
In the madison avenue offices of Bombo sports and entertainment, where a film documentary is being made of Wigan Athletic's remarkable campaign, this result is unlikely to make many waves. They will no doubt prefer to linger on heartbreaking last-minute defeats by Chelsea and Manchester United and stage fright at the Carling Cup final, but humdrum afternoons such as this have set up the prospect of a sequal shot on location in Europe.
The drama has come in matches that Wigan have lost but Paul Jewell, the manager, will tell you that glorious failure is overrated. It is defining moments that the film-makers are looking for, rather than Kodak moments, victories such as this offer more of an insight into Wigan's astonishing success story.
The Indepenent
Manchester City 0 Wigan Athletic 1
So far, Stuart Pearce seems determined that an important element of his ethos as a football manager should be that when things go wrong he will never seek to hide failure behind an excuse. It is an admirable position. People like him for it, and not just Manchester City fans.
Wigan benefitted from Pearce resting eight players, Lee McCulloch headed the game's only goal on the end of an inswinging corner from the ever-industrious Jimmy Bullard, and two wins in a row encourages the manager, Paul Jewell, to believe that a season that had threatened to fizzle out might now regain some momentum.
The Mirror
Jewell's fairytale warning
Paul Jewell has warned his Wigan players that their fairytale ride in the Premiership will turn into a hard slog next season because of the extraordinary heights they have reached.
But Jewell acknowledged that Wigan are in danger of becoming victimes of thier own success and have created a level of expectation they will find hard to match next season.
He said: "Our profile has increased now and that may make it easier to attract better players in the summer," said Jewell, adding: "But i'll tell you now- next season will be a lot tougher."
The Observer
Mchulloch punishes depleted City
A run of seven successive home wins in the Premiership and FA Cup came to an end for Manchester City - and it was really no shock. They fielded the bare bones of a side and Wigan took full advantage. The only surprise was that Wigan did not complete a League double by a bigger margin, having dictated much of the proceedings and created all the best chances.
The Observers Man of the match - Jimmy Bullard
So much of Wigan's creative play revolves around Bullard and it is a responsibility he shoulders with relish. Energetic and imaginative, he was an influential figure and driving force in the midfield areas.
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