Aston Villa 0 Wigan Athletic 2

A disastrous start to the season for the Villa. After a relatively positive opening 15 minutes, we caved in to Wigan pressure. Milner had to clear off the line, Nzogbia hit the post, and then Wigan finally broke the deadlock with an immense volley from Rodallega. Devoid of spirit, energy and aggression, we didn't show any resolve and the game was long over before Koumas added Wigan's second and final goal in the second half.

New signing, Fabian Delph made his debut and was quiet and substituted in the second half. But it was his central midfield partner and captain, Petrov who looked most off the pace. His lethargic display was a throw back to his dreadful debut season.

Martin O'Neill spoke of his disappointment after the match and the urgent need to strengthen the spine of the side. Too right Martin - we are spineless.

We are desperately in need of a dominant centre back or possibly two because Cuellar and Davies is never going to work. If Hangeland is unavailable and Upson is set for a move to Man City, I'd like us to go in for Ryan Shawcross who continues to look impressive at Stoke and maybe Wheater or Huth as well.

In midfield the problem is worse, because we need someone with real quality on the ball, leadership qualities, aggression and energy - where do you find someone like that on our budget? We've been linked to Rafael Van Der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder, both of which would be fantastic 'creative' signings, but I really can't see either of them choosing to sign for Villa. We've also been linked to Jenas, who I like and would welcome to the squad, but he doesn't have the battling qualities we might need - perhaps we just need to hope Delph gets to grips with the Premiership quickly and can do that type of job for us alongside a more cultured midfielder.

One thing's for sure, without Carew up front we look toothless and our central defence and central midfield has been a shambles for a while now. Come on, Martin, sort it out. Petrov's not the answer - how many top 10 clubs would want him?

Straygoat