Lambert makes fan plea as Villa freefall

Aston Villa 0 Wigan 3

Villa’s home defeat by Wigan on Saturday means they have conceded 15 goals without reply in their last three games. Only Stoke striker Cameron Jerome’s late equaliser against Southampton prevented Villa from dropping into the bottom three for the start of the new year.

Fans voiced their disapproval with choruses of boos at the end of a calendar year which has seen Villa win only three home league matches.

Lambert, who took over in the summer, said: “The fans since I have been at this club have been brilliant, totally fantastic with myself and the team.

“I can understand them [booing]. I would never criticise the crowd here that’s for sure, they have been fantastic.

“All we can do is do our very best for this football club. The fans will go away hurt like everybody else, so will we. I know that for a fact. But we have to stick together. That’s important.”

Lambert revealed he intends to hold talks with club owner Randy Lerner ahead of the forthcoming transfer window. With several players sidelined through injury, it has become increasingly apparent that Villa need to strengthen to bolster their up-and-coming young side.

Lambert’s starting line-up against Wigan had an average age of 23, but the home side, missing experienced players such as captain Ron Vlaar, Richard Dunne, Gabby Agbonlahor, Darren Bent and Charles N’Zogbia, made the worst possible start when unmarked Wigan defender Ivan Ramis scored after three minutes.

Second-half goals in quick succession from Emmerson Boyce and Arouna Kone sealed a comfortable win for Roberto Martinez’s side, who climbed out of the relegation zone and above Villa.

Wigan boss Roberto Martinez singled out Shaun Maloney for special praise after impressing against his old club. Maloney, who spent 18 months at Villa Park, caught the eye as goals from Ivan Ramis, Emmerson Boyce and Arouna Kone earned the Latics a much-needed win.

Martinez said: “Shaun Maloney is one of the most gifted players you can see in this league.

“He has a good eye for a pass but other than that he has moved to a different level. His performance against Villa was of the highest, highest level.”

ASTON VILLA: Guzan, Herd, Clark, Lichaj (Albrighton 64), Lowton, Ireland (El Ahmadi 63), Holman (Bowery 63), Bannan, Bennett, Weimann, Benteke.

WIGAN: Al Habsi, Ramis, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, McCarthy, Jones (McArthur 65), Beausejour (Gomez 79), Kone (McManaman 87), Di Santo, Maloney.

Ref: Kevin Friend.