Aston Villa vs. Wigan Athletic

On a frustrating afternoon for Martin O'Neill's men, a goal in each half ensured an opening day defeat.

An unstoppable half-volley from Rodallega on 30 minutes gave the Latics the lead. He reacted first to a flick on before thumping past Brad Friedel from 25-yards.

Villa survived a further let-off when N'Zogbia squeezed a shot across Friedel's goal only to see it come back off the post.

Nine minutes after the restart Rodallega slipped in Koumas, who cut in from the left and poked it past Friedel from close range.

Young had a chance to pull one back for the hosts in the final minute when Emile Heskey charged down Kirkland's clearance.

However, Villa's afternoon was summed up when Bramble raced back to scoop the winger's shot over the bar.