Jordi Gomez and James Perch struck as Wigan stunned City again to keep their FA Cup defence going with a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. City, newly crowned League Cup champions, were bidding to avenge their 1-0 defeat in last season’s final, but instead it was the holders — managed by former City striker Uwe Rosler — who advanced to a last-four date with Arsenal.
Gomez converted a penalty after more bad defending by the erratic Martin Demichelis and Perch tapped in early in the second half as the holders booked a semi-final date with Arsenal at Wembley.
Samir Nasri did pull one back with a 20-yard half-volley on 68 as City produced a strong finish but they were unable to prevent a repeat of Wigan's shock victory in last year's final at Wembley.
The Etihad was buoyant after City’s 3-1 win over Sunderland in last weekend’s League Cup final, but the home fans were silenced in the 27th minute when Wigan took the lead.
A neat turn took Fortune past Demichelis on the Wigan left and after the Argentine brought him down, Gomez sent goalkeeper Pantilimon the wrong way from the penalty spot.
City’s frustration was evident, with Nasri booked for kicking the ball away, and Wigan extended their lead early in the second half when Perch stole in front of Clichy to tuck in a low cross from James McArthur.
City manager Manuel Pellegrini reacted by sending on James Milner, David Silva and Edin Dzeko, and the latter came within a whisker of equalising in the 64th minute with a header that hit the post.
Dzeko then looked certain to score as Milner drilled in a low cross but Emmerson Boyce produced a remarkable last-ditch clearance.
Carson saved well from Aguero, Milner had a shot blocked and Dzeko headed wide as City laid siege to the Wigan goal.
Five minutes of injury time were played and City keeper Costel Pantilimon went forward for a last-gasp corner but Wigan held on.