MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester City's slump continued as Sven Goran Eriksson's side were held to a drab goalless draw by struggling Wigan at Eastlands on Saturday.

City are in danger of wasting their impressive start to the season following a woeful run of just two wins in 10 matches.

It is a far cry from their form in the first half of the campaign, when qualification for the Champions League looked a possibility. Now Eriksson would be happy with a UEFA Cup place.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce will be far more satisfied than Eriksson after seeing his side maintain their recent revival. The Latics have lost only one of their last four matches and they are beginning to climb away from the relegation zone.

Wigan's crucial win over Derby in their last match seemed to have given them a confidence boost in the early stages here.

They threatened first when Marlon King turned Richard Dunne wide on the left from a throw in before shooting straight at Joe Hart.

Antonio Valencia kept up the pressure as he skipped Dunne and Michael Ball. The winger's pass found Wilson Palacios but he completely missed his kick.

City have been slipping down the table in recent weeks and this was another uninspiring display. Stephen Ireland curled an effort just over midway through the half as they finally found some rhythm.

Ireland turned provider sent Benjani Mwaruwari through on goal but the Zimbabwean striker allowed the ball to run loose and Chris Kirkland and Erik Edman were able to clear.

Emile Heskey was no more efficient when he rose to meet Jason Koumas's free-kick. The England striker was no more than eight yards out but still failed to hit the target.

City suffered a blow soon after half-time when Brazil midfielder Elano was carried off with a thigh injury.

Benjani forced a save from Kirkland with a snap-shot after turning Emmerson Boyce, but the Wigan keeper parried and then collected comfortably.

Eriksson wore an increasingly frustrated look on the touchline and even rose to berate his players.

The Swede sent on Nery Castillo midway through the half and the Mexican tested Kirkland with a 20-yard strike.

Benjani volleyed wide from close range late on and that miss summed up the futility of City's efforts.