Aston Villa's run of one win in their past nine home matches is a cause for concern.

The poor Villa Park pitch has played some part but bad form and missed chances are equally to blame.

The three problems seem to come together to ensure a 2-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic on Saturday. Gareth Barry, the Villa midfield player, is surprised at how the team have let their standards slip at home.

"That's football," Barry said. "All week we've been on a high thinking this is the chance to put a run together but it's backfired. We've missed chances and they've capitalised on a couple of chances.

"Since I've been here, home form has never been a problem and this season's home form is not going to get you anywhere in the Premier League. It's important your home form is very good. That is something we are going to look at.

"I don't think it's down to confidence. We created a lot of chances, chances that were clear-cut, and you expect to win the game. When the fans start turning when things are not going your way, that can certainly affect some of the players but I don't think confidence was a factor.

"They were good first half and had we put a couple away we would have won the game easily. After the Blues win, the fans were looking forward to the game as m u c h as the players - but it didn't happen. "It's good we have got a game straight away to put this behind us so we are looking forward to hopefully beating Burnley [in the Carling Cup] on Tuesday and then getting another good draw at home. We like playing in this cup."

Barry expressed sympathy for Aaron Hughes, whose own goal set Wigan on their way to victory.

"He [Hughes] has got to try to clear it," Barry said. "There was a man coming in behind him so I don't think we can put any blame on Aaron.

" It turned the game. It came from a penalty shot by us on James Milner and then all of a sudden they are counter-attacking three against two and go ahead."