Martin O’Neil, in his 50th premiership game in charge of Aston Villa, saw his side getting the better of local rivals Birmingham City in the 105th Midlands derby at St. Andrew’s. Sunday’s 2-1 win at the backyard of Birmingham City was Villa’s third successive second-city derby victory.

England U-21 striker Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a late headed winner minutes after clearing a Liam Ridgewell header off the line at the other end. Birmingham City went behind after just 11 minutes when former Villa defender Liam Ridgewell scored an own goal after trying to clear a dangerous Stilian Petrov cross.

The first half clearly belonged to the side from Villa Park, but Steve Bruce’s side was unlucky when referee Steve Bennett turned down two confident and clear Birmingham penalty shouts at the start and the end of the half. The second-half saw a fighting Birmingham side and the Blues scored a deserved equalizer when substitute Finnish striker Mikael Forsell headed home a cross from the impressive Dutchman Daniel De Ridder.

A draw seemed to have been a fair result until the late Agbonlahor heroics gave Villa their first away victory since April. Elsewhere on Sunday, Manchester United went three points clear of Arsenal, who play on Monday night at Reading after a 2-0 victory over 10-man Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. Portuguese Christiano Ronaldo scored two goals in as many minutes after the half-hour mark as the champions never looked to miss injured striker Wayne Rooney’s services. Blackburn’s comeback aspirations into the match were sealed when midfielder David Dunn was sent off the field in 53rd minute of the game.

Chelsea’s resurgence and title challenge was somewhat halted when Everton snatched a point in the dying minutes of the match. Thanks to a spectacular back volley from Aussie Tim Cahill that cancelled out Didier Drogba’s opener. Tottenham gave their new manager Juande Ramos his first league victory after hammering struggling Wigan Athletic 4-0 via a Jermaine Jenas brace.

Bolton recorded their third successive draw in all competitions after holding fellow strugglers Middlesborough to a goalless draw at the Reebok stadium. Third-placed Manchester City lost ground on the leaders after being held goalless by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

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