Wigan Athletic: How they rated v Aston Villa
Wigan Athletic (4-2-3-1):
Jamie Jones: 7 - Recovered well from an early mix-up that could have led to a Villa goal, didn’t have a save to make but clearly has a calming presence on the back four.
Reece James: 8 - Regulation display from a very young man with a very big future. Watching hardened, seasoned pro’s bouncing off him is part of the fun.
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Hide AdCedric Kipre: 7 - Involved in the early mix-up at the back but also didn’t let it bother him, and almost scored with a first-half header from a corner.
Chey Dunkley: 7 - The senior man in the backline now with Dan Burn having left and seems to be loving the responsibility, back to his best after injury.
Kal Naismith: 7 - Another solid showing in the unfamiliar position at left-back, and his 40-yard inswinging cross that led to the opening goal was right out of the top drawer.
Sam Morsy: 8 - Never gave the Villa midfield a moment’s peace, led from the front and was intelligent with possession as well.
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Hide AdLee Evans: 8 - Welcome return to form for the Welshman, compliments Morsy beautifully in the engine room, and his delivery for the second goal was a joy to behold.
* Anthony Pilkington: 8 - Thrown in at the deep end for his debut, having not played all season, and already looks a gem. Showboating skill for the opener was Messi-esque. *
Josh Windass: 7 - Tireless display as ever, close to scoring the opening goal on three minutes, but stayed with it and won the penalty for the third goal.
Gary Roberts: 8 - Like a fine wine, gets better with age. When Paul Cook needed a break, stepped up just before the interval with a rasping strike, and ran his blood to water.
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Hide AdJoe Garner: 8 - Ploughed the lone furrow up top with typical attitude, clearly enjoys the battle, and thoroughly deserved his goal right at the end.
Subs:
Michael Jacobs (for Pilkington, 60): 7 - Welcome return to the fold, and second goal showed what Latics have missed in the last three months.
Nathan Byrne (for Roberts, 72): 7 - Gave Latics added energy at a crucial time.
James Vaughan (for Garner, 88): Little time to make an impact.
Subs not used:
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Hide AdChristian Walton, Callum Connolly, Callum McManaman, Will Grigg.
Star Man: Anthony Pilkington
Aston Villa (4-1-4-1): Kalinic; Bree, Elphick, Chester, Taylor; Bjatnason; El Ghazi, McGinn, Hourihane, Bolasie; Abraham.
Subs: Steer, Davis, Hutton, Hause (for El Ghazi, 63), Whelan (for Bjarnason, 63), Adomah (for Elphick, 63), Hogan.
Shots on target: 6-0
Shots off target: 5-3
Corners: 8-6
Possession (%): 49-51
Fouls conceded: 12-13
Yellow cards: 3-2
Red cards: 0-0
Attendance: 13,882
Referee: T Harrington