Wigan shock Villa as Burnley stumble at Stoke
A Rodallega screamer saw Wigan shock Villa while Burnley stumbled
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Saturday, 15, Aug 2009 08:15
By Lewis Bazley.
An impressive 2-0 victory for Wigan Athletic saw Roberto Martinez begin his Premier League managerial career at a canter while new boys Burnley fell to defeat at Stoke.
Goals from Hugo Rodallega and Jason Koumas saw the Latics shock Aston Villa as former Swansea boss Martinez made a smooth transition into managing in the top flight.
Though never overwhelmed on the return to the top division, Burnley were defeated 2-0 away to Stoke, with Tony Pulis' well-drilled side comfortably starting the season with a win.
An unmarked Ryan Shawcross met Liam Lawrence's cross to put Stoke ahead on 19 minutes before a desperately unlucky Stephen Jordan headed a Rory Delap throw-in into his own net to double Stoke's advantage.
Steven Fletcher and Wade Elliott had chances for the Premier League newboys in the second half but Owen Coyle's side were unable to claw their way back into the game and started the season with a defeat.
Elsewhere, Sunderland's record signing Darren Bent rose to head a debut goal and seal a 1-0 win for the Black Cats away at Bolton while West Ham eased to a 2-0 win against newly-promoted Wolves at Molineux.
Goals from Mark Noble and Matthew Upson sealed the Hammers' victory.
And Portsmouth's turmoil continued as they spluttered to a home defeat against a slick Fulham side, with Bobby Zamora giving the south London side a fortuitous win after Clint Dempsey's shot smacked against Zamora and flew into the corner of the net, leaving Pompey keeper David James stranded.