The last time Manchester City faced Wigan they suffered the biggest FA Cup final shock in 25 years and Roberto Mancini was sacked three days later. On Tuesday night, they did not repeat their Wembley mistakes under Manuel Pellegrini.
Stevan Jovetić hit a brace on only his second start for the club and substitute Jesús Navas also struck his first City goal in the League Cup rout.
Edin Džeko and Yaya Touré added to the scoring as City eased into the last 16 on a satisfactory night for their Chilean coach.
Jovetić hit two against Wigan
City suffered a surprise defeat to Aston Villa at this stage last year, as Mancini's squad deficiencies were exposed after an unsuccessful transfer window.
But Pellegrini's ruthlessness and prudence has assembled the strongest cast in the country. Fernandinho was the only player to keep his place from the derby win against United on Sunday but City's strength was obvious.