On the City bench, Pep Guardiola remained standing.
He clapped once, then called something towards his players.
The final minutes of the half passed with a little more urgency.
City continued to look the more threatening side, but Wigan refused to retreat completely.
Power and Henderson worked hard to protect the space in front of their defence, while Reyes tried to offer an outlet whenever possession was recovered.
There were still moments when City threatened to get through.
A Foden pass found Bernardo between the lines, but his attempt to release Haaland was intercepted.
Grealish then tried to carry the ball inside from the left, only for Darikwa to get a foot in and force it out for a throw-in.
Wigan survived, and just before the break, they found one more opportunity of their own.
Carlo collected possession on the left, with Ezra drawing Aké towards the opposite side.
He took a touch forward and delivered a cross towards the face of the penalty area.
