Everton manager David Moyes claimed Wigan's pitch had to take some of the blame for Tim Howard's blunder in the 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium.
Phil Neville deflected Jean Beausejour's cross towards the arms of Howard only for the ball to spin off the turf and into the net for Wigan's opener.
But Everton substitute Victor Anichebe headed in a late equaliser to leave the Latics still five points adrift of safety.
Moyes gave midfielder Steven Pienaar a start after he rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham this week while new striker Nikica Jelavic came on as a second-half substitute.
The Scot felt his side paid for their efforts in beating City, and said: "I think the effort we put in in midweek, physically and mentally, did take a bit out of us but Wigan had to play as well so it was the same for them.
"We never really sparked. When we went a goal down we came alive and looked as if we were going to get back in it but we were waiting on it happening in this one rather than making it happen.
"But I didn't think we looked like we were going to concede a goal, we looked comfortable most of the time, and it was a complete freak.
"The pitch here is really heavy and it's going to take its toll. It was hard for them to play on and run through - compared to pitches they play on nowadays. In our day they were the norm."