Aston Villa 3 Wigan Athletic 2: How social media reacted

Josh Windass on his Latics debut against Aston Villa

Birkir Bjarnson’s stoppage-time strike separated the two sides and gave Aston Villa a 3-2 victory over Paul Cook’s Latics.

Before the match, boss Cook was forced into making two changes from their opening day victory against Sheffield Wednesday through injury, with Callum McManaman and Callum Connolly coming into the side to replace Gavin Massey and Darron Gibson.

James Chester nodded home to give the hosts an early lead after 13 minutes, before goals at either side of the interval from Nick Powell and Callum Connolly put Latics ahead at Villa Park on the hour mark. Latics’ lead was however short-lived, after Chey Dunkley unfortunately bundled Jack Grealish’s corner into his own net just eight minutes later.

Wigan looked like that they secured an impressive point at Villa Park, however Bjarnson scored from close-range in the 94th minute to send Cook’s side back to Wigan empty-handed.

Latics can keep their heads held high after their efforts at the weekend, after they more than managed to compete with one of the best side’s that the Championship has to offer.

Although Latics fans admitted that it was a very tough pill to swallow to lose in the 94th minute, fans expressed on social media that they were proud of Wigan Athletic for their display at Villa Park to come so close to earning a point.

@Jonnyellis29: “Sickener. Absolutely gutted with how we’ve ended up losing that, but what a match and we played bloody superbly. Will try to do a Martinez and focus on the performance. #wafc did us so proud.”

@Eclipse12002: “Great effort from the lads, pity we didn’t hold on for the draw. But feeling positive.. On to next week…”

@Livesey99: “What do you say to that? Fantastic performance and very nearly got something. Horrible way to lose.”

@laticschief: “Don’t think many teams will go to Villa and have a go like we did. Gutting to lose so late, but plenty of positives going forward.”

@IanHAspinall: “Devastating to lose it in the 94th minute but lots of positives from today. We’ll win more than we lose if we play like that every week.”

@DebsW1966: “So proud of the boys today, great team performance, if they carry on playing like that we are in for a cracking season.”

@Robbie4000: “Thought we were excellent today, just need to improve the defending. Should be an exciting season.”

@AdamONeillio: “Despite the result, thought we was magnificent for long periods today. Look immense and a threat going forward every time. Cut out mistakes at the back and we’ll be fine.”

Latics players shared the same disappointment on twitter to lose at the death but praised the 1,345 travelling fans for their excellent support.

Chey Dunkley: “Hard to take that... thought we done enough to at least get a point... thanks for the travelling fans... we appreciate it”

Sam Morsy: “Tough game today against a top side, lads left everything out there today and the fans were with us till the end.”

Chairman, David Sharpe: “A late sickener but never been so optimist leaving the ground after a loss. The way the lads played away at Villa Park gives us all huge confidence for the season! Support was top class from 1st till 95th min!! Safe journey home!”

Aston Villa fans also took to twitter following today’s game, with many praising Wigan Athletic for their performance, and predicting that Latics will fare well in the Championship this term.

@hartyavfc: “I think #WAFC could catch a few teams out this season. Play decent attacking football, can put a decent cross in and work for each other as a team should. Unlucky to come away from #AVFC today with nothing. P.S Loud away support considering they only sold the lower tier out.”

@MrAnthonyCarter: “We scrambled a win today but credit #wafc they will hold their own in this league and have a good manager in Paul Cook.”

@MattShelley_: “Wigan were excellent today. I think they are in for a really good season.”

@Lee_Bickerton: “Wigan looked a lot better than last time they were in this league, on that show, they’ll be mid-table comfortably.”

Jonathan Sims: “Well played today Wigan. Both teams defended poorly and gifted goals but made for a great game. Your fans a credit to your team. See you later in the season.”