Martinez makes history as Wigan win at Villa

Martin O’Neill suffered another Wigan nightmare at Villa Park after Roberto Martinez took just one game to etch his name into the Latics’ record books here on Saturday.

Hugo Rodallega and Jason Koumas both struck to gift new boss Martinez a dream start and secured Wigan’s first opening day win in the Premier League.

Martinez was laughed at when he promised to bring his style of sexy football from former club Swansea but his classy side made Champions League hopefuls Villa look total chumps.

Villa have never beaten Wigan at home in five meetings and O’Neill will surely be pleading with the club’s American owner, Randy Lerner, for more funds to boost his tiny squad.

Former Celtic manager O’Neill’s squad is still so small his players struggle to fill the team coach, despite three pre-season signings.

There were debuts here for six million pounds wonder-kid Fabian Delph and ex-Newcastle star Habib Beye – but both suffered horror shows.

If points were handed out in the style stakes Martinez would coast it over most bosses and his team also looked accomplished in the Spaniard’s first outing in the Premier League.

Martinez was nearly celebrating in the 16th minute as Villa’s defence appeared to be having a siesta, with Charles N’Zogbia striking the upright with a low drive.

Incredibly, Wigan came even closer four minutes later when Villa winger James Milner performed heroics to hack Rodallega’s header off the line – with the visitors convinced it had crossed over for a goal.

But the Latics finally made their pressure count on the half hour in spectacular style.

Paul Scharner’s hopeful pass was inadvertently headed backwards by Nicky Shorey and Rodallega took the ball over his shoulder and arrowed an excellent shot over Brad Friedel into the top corner.

Villa’s most threatening moments came from the forward surges of Ashley Young, who tormented Mario Melchiot throughout the first half.

England winger Young nearly drew Villa level towards the end of the half but his free-kick was superbly saved by Chris Kirkland.

But the boos that rang in Villa’s ears as they trudged off at half-time grew even louder in the 56th minute.

Wales international Koumas capitalised on hesitant defending from Beye to break into the area and squeeze a shot under Friedel.

Villa hardly mounted a late fightback and their best chance saw Young’s close-range effort brilliantly deflected over the bar by Titus Bramble.