Tottenham Hotspur had the majority of possession but Wigan Athletic spurned the best chances in a goalless 45 minutes at White Hart Lane.
Spurs dominated the ball from the off and Clint Dempsey came close in the opening couple of minutes, firing just wide of the post.
Midway through the half, Jan Vertonghen lashed a volley towards goal that was well kept out by Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan net.
Moments later the home side were forced into making a change as Gylfi Sigurdsson replaced the injured Sandro in the centre of midfield.
Wigan's first opening came soon after when Arouna Kone and Shaun Maloney combined in the inside-left channel, with Kone firing straight at Friedel from 15 yards.
Maloney himself then had a one-on-one opportunity but couldn't beat Friedel after again linking up with Kone.
Gareth Bale started to impose himself as the half drew to a close and he crossed for both Steven Caulker and Vertonghen, who couldn't find the target.
