The defeat to Fulham came on the same day that Q.P.R. managed a home win over Tottenham to join the Latics on 34 points.
Meanwhile Blackburn also managed a home win over Norwich to give themselves hope and increase the importance of the clash between Rovers and Latics at Ewood Park in two weeks time.
Struggling Bolton could only manage a home draw with Swansea, a game that the Trotters would have been hoping for more from,
Here is a snip of the updated table:
| Home | Away | Overall | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | Team | Pl | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | GD |
| 15 | Aston Villa | 34 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 18 | 22 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 17 | 26 | 7 | 15 | 12 | 35 | 48 | 36 | -13 | ||||
| 16 | Queens Park Rangers | 35 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 23 | 25 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 16 | 32 | 9 | 7 | 19 | 39 | 57 | 34 | -18 | ||||
| 17 | Wigan Athletic | 35 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 25 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 19 | 35 | 8 | 10 | 17 | 34 | 60 | 34 | -26 | ||||
| 18 | Blackburn Rovers | 35 | 6 | 1 | 11 | 26 | 32 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 21 | 41 | 8 | 7 | 20 | 47 | 73 | 31 | -26 | ||||
| 19 | Bolton Wanderers | 33 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 33 | 5 | 0 | 11 | 17 | 33 | 9 | 3 | 21 | 37 | 66 | 30 | -29 | ||||
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 34 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 19 | 41 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 32 | 5 | 8 | 21 | 34 | 73 | 23 | -39 | ||||
Speaking about the defeat against Fulham, Latics boss Roberto Martinez told the club's official website: "We knew the fight for survival wasn't going to be easy and that we didn't have enough points on the board to be safe with before today.
"The result is a real blow and perhaps this was one game too many for us after a demanding period of three games in ten days, including some very tough encounters.
"The energy levels were against us, because normally having taken a lead like we did we would have allowed our composure on the ball to help us finish the game strong.
"Today, when we needed that little bit of freshness we found it difficult but for the first hour did well to frustrate Fulham before taking the lead with a deserved goal from open play.
"I thought we would kick on from their but they found a quick response and from then onwards I couldn't see anything but a draw being played out which is the least we deserved.
"The goal at the end has left us with a very empty feeling, but we can't afford to be too harsh on ourselves, we'll work hard and freshen up ready to face Newcastle next weekend."
Next up for the Latics is the visit of Newcastle United to the DW Stadium on Saturday. The club presently have a special ticket offer for supporters who can see both the Newcastle and Wolves home games for just £30, please see the DW Stadium ticket office for further details.
