Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes the arrival of England striker Darren Bent has played a major role in his side's resurgence.

Bent, who made a 24 million pounds ($38 million) move to Villa Park from Sunderland last week, scored the winner on his debut against Manchester City on Saturday and was the main man again as Houllier's side defeated Wigan 2-1 at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.

Although Bent didn't get on the scoresheet against Wigan, his dynamic presence up front encouraged Villa to produce the kind of attacking display that has been missing too often for Houllier's liking.

Goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor - his first of the season in the Premier League - and Ashley Young put Villa 2-0 up and although James McCarthy got one back for Wigan it was too late to salvage a draw.

"Sometimes when you recruit a player it takes five or six games before he settles or scores a goal," said Houllier, whose team is now six points clear of the relegation zone.

"Darren scored a vital goal against Manchester City and today I think he was very important in the offensive front.

"His movement is very good but when he doesn't score, it is good if the others score and today Gabby and Ashley did."

AFP

(China Daily 01/27/2011 page22)