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Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan Athletic
Match Reports, 17:19, August 15, 2009 ,
A solid defensive performance from Wigan combined with an effective attacking display ensured a surprise opening day win at Villa Park.
Although the home side started well, Hugo Rodallega's stunning strike - a dipping volley - on the half-hour mark provided a real shock to the Villa players' systems and they failed to recover from this, despite numerous tactical substitutions from Martin O'Neill during the second half.
Rodallega's goal, an early contender for goal of the season, was added to by Jason Koumas, who scored from close range ten minutes into the second half after Charles N'Zogbia's fine run.
Villa had several good chances to score but, despite the best efforts of James Milner in particular, the home fans were left frustrated at the full-time whistle. A solid performance from Titus Bramble was one of the real highlights of the ninety minutes, with the defender making several last-ditch tackles and decisive clearances.