Milner fires winner for Aston Villa

Mar 17, 2010 - 12:13 AM By JAMES PIERCY STATS European Football Writer=

LONDON (SE) - England international James Milner made the most of a second-half goalkeeping error to earn Aston Villa a 2-1 win over Wigan at DW Stadium on Tuesday.

Villa's win keeps them seventh in the Premier League but only three points behind Tottenham in fourth and with a crucial game in hand.

Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool are locked in a battle for that fourth spot which guarantees an automatic place in next season's Champions League.

Martin O'Neill's team had to work hard for their win over spirited Wigan who shaded the first half in terms of possession but fell away after the break.

Wigan's defeat leaves them in peril, only four points above the drop zone and with only eight matches left in which to ensure their coveted top flight status.

Villa had two goals disallowed for offside before taking the lead in bizarre fashion in the 25th minute.

Striker John Carew headed a Stewart Downing free-kick back across goal and Wigan midfield player James McCarthy, under no pressure, turned the ball into his own net.

But the lead lasted only two minutes and again Scottish youngster McCarthy was involved, winning a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Charles N'Zogbia took it and Gary Caldwell glanced home a header to put Wigan back on level terms.

Marcelo Moreno missed a good chance early in the second half for Wigan whose manager Roberto Martinez sent on Victor Moses on the hour in a bid to turn possession into goals.

But the next \2013 and last \2013 goal came from Villa in the 63rd minute when Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland got no distance on his punch while attempting to clear and Milner hit a 25-yard shot through a packed goalmouth into the unattended net.

Milner's goal was his fifth in the league and there was nothing hard-working Wigan could do to get back into the match.

Jason Scotland was sent on by Martinez near the end in a late bid to retrieve the match but Villa held on comfortably, their goalkeeper Brad Friedel was never extended.

Villa boss O'Neill was delighted with the team performance and that of Milner in his new role in the centre of midfield.

"Milner has been extraordinary for us since we converted him to the centre of midfield in December. In my view he has gone up three or four notches.

"He is a much improved player and I think he will go on from strength to strength.

"We had to dig deep to beat Wigan. This time last week they beat Liverpool on the same pitch and we gave them the utmost regard."

Beaten boss Martinez said: "I felt we did not what we deserved. We had plenty of the ball and plenty of chances but we did not take them.

"Against a team of Villa's quality you cannot afford to miss your opportunities but I felt we played well."