The Independent
Jewell's men fail to capitalise on early advantage
If Wigan's Premiership expedition does end this season, their startling history of failing to stay in front is certain to be seen as their downfall, but this was one occasion when there were extenuating circumstances.
Gabriel Agbonlahor's second-half equaliser for Villa left Paul Jewell's side to reflect that it was the ninth match this season in which they had scored first but not managed to capitalise on a winning position, a habit that has cost them no fewer than 24 points.
Given their perilous predicament - three points above a relegation zone in which two sides have games in hand - it is not difficult to appreciate the damage this has done, but after defending for 56 minutes with 10 men yesterday, they earned only applause from their manager.
The Sun
Aston Villa 1 Wigan 1
Paul Jewell is beginning to regret the day he had a pop at ref Phil Dowd at Arsenal.
The Wigan boss has since paid for his on-pitch tirade with an FA rap and a fine. But now Jewell reckons his team are getting the short straw whenever it comes to contentious decisions.
Jewell said: "I've seen the goal and it wasn't even close. It was miles offside. The worst thing I ever did was speak about the ref after the Arsenal game.
"We haven't had anything since. Two sendings-off, a penalty, offside not given. I sound like Neil Warnock so I better be careful!"
The Times
Heskey spreads some happiness as Wigan claim a priceless point
It took the result from Oakwell to crack the glum expression on the face of Randy Lerner, the Aston Villa chairman, as he sat in the directors' box trying to make sense of what he had just seen, but it was a former Birmingham City striker who sent every Wigan Athletic supporter home happy.
Emile Heskey's goal enabled Paul Jewell's team to move three points above the relegation zone and while a raucous cheer from Villa fans greeted news of Birmingham's defeat away to Barnsley in the Coca-Cola Championship, bringing a smile to Lerner's lips as he witnessed the consolation value of a rival team's disappointment, Wigan's satisfaction carried the greater significance.
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