Wigan Athletic were finally beaten in the league at Villa Park in a comfortable win for the home side thanks to a goal in either half. The first, a brilliant effort from Gabby Agbonlahor, who then turned provider for the second; setting up an unmissable effort for Darren Bent in front of the Holte End.

If you were to glance at the statistics, you’d be forgiven for assuming that Roberto Martinez might be leaving Birmingham thinking that his side deserved something from this game. The 39/61 possession figure is particularly misleading, Shay Given really had little to be concerned about.

The same can’t be said of Ali Al Habsi at the other end who made a number of impressive saves to restrict his trips to the back of the net to just the two. In truth, a three or four goal margin might have flattered us, but this could easily have finished that way.

Alex McLeish showed willingness to make the tough decisions when he elected to drop Charles N’Zogbia to include the fit again Bent, and it was definitely the right decision. He also switched the system to something of a 4-1-3-2, or perhaps a narrow midfield diamond, with Stiliyan Petrov sitting deep and Stephen Ireland encouraged to get forward.

Gabby’s performance, including the goal and assist, rightly earned the Man of the Match award, but he actually didn’t start too well. At one point during the opening 20 minutes or so, his pass completion fell below 50% as a number of passes went frustratingly wayward.

But he fought back well and showed his rediscovered confidence after latching onto Barry Bannan’s superb long ball into the left channel before cutting inside to unleash into the roof of the net from around 12 yards with his favoured right foot.

It was perhaps a little worrying that McLeish opted to see out the ten minutes that remained in the half in a more defensive 4-5-1 shape with Gabby occupying the left flank. That could have backfired, but fortunately it didn’t today.

Stephen Ireland, who gave one of his better performances in a claret and blue shirt, picked up a knock right before the break and it wouldn’t have been surprising not to see him again for the second half. He did come out, although you’d be forgiven for missing him.

Emile Heskey came on to replace Ireland just before the hour mark, forcing another shift in formation, this time to the more familiar 4-2-3-1 with Heskey dropping in behind Bent.

The important second goal came four minutes later and it was all Gabby’s work.

After initially showing a poor touch in trying to play a lay off in our own half, and losing possession, he dove in to win the ball back before scurrying off up the left flank.

His pace and determination got him into the box, his left foot stood the ball up for Darren Bent, gratefully waiting to tap into an unguarded net from six yards.

It was Bent’s first goal in front of the Holte End, but the home crowd knew that Gabby did the bulk of the work.

Bent made way for Charles N’Zogbia with 16 minutes left, the striker making time to give Gabby a quick hug before he left the pitch. Gabby himself was given the opportunity to get a well earned standing ovation with five minutes left, Andreas Weimann his replacement.

Overall, a much needed win after a string of below par performances. It may not be anything to get carried away with, but Wigan have been stubborn opponents over the years and there’s much to be encouraged about from today.

There’s still more to come too. Delph was brilliant at times, dangerously casual and frustratingly wasteful at others. Ireland was good for much of the first half, but not outstanding, he can definitely do better. Hutton is looking fitter, but again a little fortunate not to give away a penalty today.

Final word goes to Barry Bannan, who gave Gabby a run for his money for the MotM award, and the three more regular members of the backline; Collins, Dunne and Warnock, who were all rock solid, particularly Richard Dunne who had a good battle with Franco Di Santo for the whole game.

Annoyingly, we now have another two week international break before we travel to Eastlands. I wouldn’t be surprised if a certain Mr Agbonlahor gets a call up though, he certainly deserves it this season so far. EDIT: Apparently, Gabby is going to see a specialist about a back problem and won’t be available for England. It’s also emerged that Jermaine Jenas is suffering from an Achilles problem and will be out for another month.

For now though, we’re still unbeaten, but now up to 6th place. We’re also showing some signs of cohesion and glimpses of the quality we undoubtedly do have. Hopefully that continues when the league reconvenes.

Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Bannan, Petrov, Delph, Ireland (Heskey 58′), Agbonlahor (Weimann 86′), Bent (N’Zogbia 74′). Unused subs: Guzan, Clark, Herd, Albrighton.