Editor's ratings

Last updated : 30 December 2007 By Tom Vickers
Scott Carson 5

One real shot on target one goal. Looked uncertain on crosses and almost slipped up as he let the ball bouce dangerously over his head.

Wilfred Bouma 7

Battled well in bad conditions but was given a lesson by Valencia in the first half. He recovered well in the second and the winger failed to exert the same sort of pressure as Villa stormed forward.

Martin Laursen 9

The Dane was again simply brilliant. He was so strong and battled for every ball in the air and in the mud.

Curtis Davies 8

Scored a crucial equaliser on his League debut and marked the Wigan strikers out of the game in the second half.

Olof Mellberg 8

So composed at right back and didnt just hoof it in the final moments as he made sure Villa kept the ball and kept Wigan out.

Shaun Maloney 6

Failed to have the same dynamic influence as he did at Chelsea. Had some neat touches as usual but struggled to fit into the system and was replaced.

Gareth Barry 8

What more can be said about this man. He is so determined in the midfield and his class showed on a dogged pitch as he took control and still managed to spray the passes. Retained vital possession.

Nigel Reo-Coker 7

He is the scrapper Villa have lacked since the departure of Boateng. He knows how to use the ball but best of all he breaks up so many opposition attacks.

Ashley Young 7

Struggled to get into the game until a moment of brilliance for the winner. He left Melchiot standing and delivered a peach of a ball for Agbonlahor.

John Carew 6

Injury curse struck again for the big man. Just as he gets a run in the first team he suffers a setback. Went off inside first ten minutes not that the stadium announcer noticed though.

Gabby Agbonlahor 9

Villa-MAD Man of the Match: Absolutely brilliant display capped with yet another vital goal. He ran his socks of and battled to the end as he defended from the front but also troubled the Wigan back four. Bramble couldn't cope with him.

Substitutes

Luke Moore for Carew 7 Battled in a typical fashion
Craig Gardner for Maloney 7 Retained the ball so well.
Stiliyan Petrov for Young 6 No time to get into the game