Latics held one the of Premier League's "big four" clubs for the second time this season with a glorious goalless draw against leaders Arsenal. The point moved Latics into 13th position above Reading and Newcastle.
Chris Kirkland made three brilliant saves to deny the Gunners whilst Antonio Valencia saw his stunning drive palmed away by goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.
Steve Bruce kept the same starting line-up from last weeks draw at Manchester City whilst Ryan Taylor and Kevin Kilbane were on the substitutes bench after recovering from injury.
Kirkland was called into action as early as 45 seconds when Emmanuel Adebayor broke clean through to go one-and-one, but the Latics shot stopper managed to make the save from the feet of the Togo international.
The Latics 'keeper was tested again ten minutes before the break when he had to dive down quickly to prevent a Cesc Fabregas header from creeping in, and the former Liverpool man also managed to save another Adebayor shot when Paul Scharner could only half-clear Gael Clichy's long ball.
Kirkland had to stay alert right until last few seconds when Fabregas was fed the ball by Adebayor and the Spaniard's shot was blocked from point blank range.
Latics looked very solid at the back too with both Scharner and Emmerson Boyce getting the tackles in when it mattered, but there opportunities at the other end for Latics too.
In the 63rd minute the highly impressive Antonio Valencia tried his luck with a stinging drive from outside the box which looked like it was heading for the top corner, but Manuel Almunia managed to stretch himself to the limit and palm the ball out for a corner.
The Ecuadorian produced a sparkling performance as he constantly threatened on the right wing with his quick feet and crosses. The winger almost set up substitute Antonie Sibierski twice with clear cut chances. Firstly the Frenchman headed straight at Almunia from close range on the hour and secondly just six minutes from time with a great cross but William Gallas just managed to make the clearance.
Arsenal piled the pressure on half-way through the second half but free-kicks by Fabregas and substitute Robin van Persie were wasted as the Gunners struggled to break a confident Latics side.
But Latics finished the stronger side as Fabregas was forced to clear a Valencia cross over his goal. Substitute Kilbane took the resulting corner which ended with Jason Koumas drilling the ball through the packed penalty area before it was cleared to safety.
The only disappointment of the afternoon was Emile Heskey picking up another foot injury although early signs indicate it won't be too serious.
LATICS: Kirkland; Melchiot (c), Boyce, Scharner, Edman; Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Koumas; King (Kilbane 87), Heskey (Sibierski 55).
SUBS: Pollitt, Bramble, Taylor.
BOOKINGS: King, Sibierski.
ARSENAL: Almunia; Sagna, Gallas (c), Senderos, Clichy; Flamini, Glberto (Toure 65), Fabregas, Hleb, Bendtner (Van Persie 65); Adebayor.
SUBS: Lehmann, Toure, Hoyte, Song, Van Persie.
BOOKINGS: Bendtner, Gilberto
REFEREE: Rob Styles
ATTENDANCE: 19,676
