Aston Villa 0 Man City 1:  Darius Vassell was again Aston Villa's main tormentor as he returned to his former club to end a dismal run for Stuart Pearce's side with a second-half winner.

Vassell took his goal tally to four in four games against Villa since his £2million switch to Eastlands last summer.

It ended a run of six successive defeats for City who also knocked lacklustre Villa out of the FA Cup in a fifth round replay last month.

The euphoria of Villa's derby win over Birmingham nine days ago was forgotten and a dissatisfied Holte End greeted the final whistle with a chorus of boos.

David O'Leary's side have won just once in their last nine games and the pressure will again mount on the Villa boss after this abject performance.

After a fairly even opening 45 minutes, City dominated the second period with Joey Barton running the show in midfield, Albert Riera impressive on the flank and Sylvain Distin a commanding figure at left-back.

For Villa only Gareth Barry and Gavin McCann emerged with much credit and on this evidence whoever is in charge next season needs a massive overhaul of the squad. PA