Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka struck as Everton maintained their Champions League challenge at the expense of an enterprising but luckless Wigan at rain-sodden Goodison Park.

Osman broke the deadlock with a deflected opener early in the second half before Phil Neville marked his 500th Barclays Premier League appearance by setting up Jagielka for the second.

Arouna Kone gave Wigan a late lifeline but it was not enough for the visitors who, despite a hard-working display, appear to be heading for another relegation fight.

A large group of Wigan fans came in banana costume, in keeping with their town’s Boxing Day tradition of fancy dress.

But the party will be limited to town centre revellers after a sixth game for the Latics passed without a win.

The visitors thought they should have had a penalty when Shaun Maloney went down in a challenge from Osman but referee Lee Mason was not convinced.

Everton, who will now hope to push on and mount a strong top-four challenge, also had some good chances, not least when Thomas Hitzlsperger hit the bar. Everton almost made the perfect start as Nikica Jelavic laid off a Darron Gibson cross and Victor Anichebe flashed a shot wide with just 13 seconds on the clock.

Wigan also wanted to attack and a good Jean Beausejour cross aimed at Kone was clutched by Tim Howard at the second attempt.

The influential James McCarthy also had a powerful effort from outside the area blocked.

Leighton Baines created a chance for Everton when he skipped over a challenge from Ronnie Stam to supply Steven Pienaar and Ali Al Habsi did well to turn his shot around the post.

Anichebe headed wide from a Hitzlsperger cross but Wigan began to assert themselves in the game more as McCarthy and James McArthur drove forward.

Kone and Maloney linked up well outside the area but attempted one pass too many and a promising attack broke down.