Birmingham City really are very poor

Mellberg and Ridgewell were fired up and wanted every ball first, which was a pleasant change. Milner is twice the player Solano ever was (in my opinion) and with Steven Davis it really looks like Villa have unearthed the next Roy Keane.

Bouma seems to be developing an understanding with Barry on the left and both deserve a mention.

Luke Moore just needs a few more games and I'm convinced we're going to see many more goals from him and after watching Angel, albeit only as a sub, Moore must be above him in the pecking order after today.

At the end of the match David O'Leary ran over to the other side of the pitch to salute Doug Ellis and the board and they smiled and waved back - I have a feeling this may cause a problem or two.

Mellberg was ecstatic at the final whistle and with Kevin Phillips they ran to the away support with the rest of the team and celebrated as if they'd just won the cup - it was really nice to watch.

Aston Villa won simply because they wanted it more. Why can't we play like that for every match?

Next up is Wigan - it will be nice to see if we can continue with this level of passion.

Let's not get carried away. We beat a poor Birmingham side - nothing more nothing less - but we should enjoy the moment!