Fitzgerald Cecilio

Witton, England

Aston Villa had another abject performance in a 3-0 defeat to Wigan Saturday in a Premier League match.

It marked the first win in seven matches for Wigan, which moved out of the bottom three.

Villa never recovered from a disastrous start when Wigan's Ivan Ramis scored just three minutes in.

Two goals in the space of four minutes early in the second half from Emmerson Boyce and Arouna Kone sealed Villa's fate as their confidence visibly evaporated.

Aston Villa was without Darren Bent, Richard Dunne, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Charles N'Zogbia and Nathan Baker.

Villa's inability to defend set-pieces was blatantly exposed in the third minute with the early goal.

Jean Beausejour's accurate corner was perfectly placed for Ramis' header past Brad Guzan.

It was the 13th goal conceded by Guzan and Villa in three games and once again gave the West Midlands club a steep hill to climb.

 

Manchester United blanks West Bromwich Albion

Manchester, England

Robin van Persie's last minute goal secured a win by Manchester United over West Bromwich Albion Saturday in Premier League action.

It was the Dutchman's 17th goal of the season.

Gareth Mcualey's own goal at the ninth minute placed West Brom behind early.

Restored to the United lineup for the only the second time since his most recent knee operation, Serbian Vidic used his experience to ensure the hosts were not made to pay for poor second half play.

Van Persie's late shot expertly curled expertly into the top corner from Paul Scholes' pass to make it 2-0 for United.