Agbonlahor arrows his header home for a late derby win [GALLO/GETTY]

A dour struggle looked set to end with the spoils shared until Agbonlahor popped up to head home with just five minutes to play.

Agbonlahor's goal ensured Villa's fans will be able to lord it over their friends and work-mates for several months after a fifth successive win over their arch enemies.

Recurring nightmare

Losing the second-city derby to a late goal from Agbonlahor is becoming something of a recurring nightmare for Birmingham, who suffered the same fate when the sides last met at St Andrews in November 2007.

After losing their opening game of the season at home to Wigan, Villa have now reeled off three victories, but Birmingham are sliding towards the bottom three after a second successive defeat.

"It was a game of very few chances and it looked as if it was heading for stalemate," Villa boss Martin O'Neill said.

"But we have players capable of scoring goals and it was a terrific goal for us.

"The points are very important to us. That is three consecutive wins in the Premier League after a disappointing start."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish added: "It is harsh result. There is no doubt about that. We played really well and got about Villa.

"I don't think we allowed them to play at all. The difference between us and Villa, in financial clout and quality, is a big gulf but it didn't look like it here."

Fulham beat Everton 2-1 at Craven Cottage in the late match on Sunday via a winner from former Newcastle and Chelsea winger Damien Duff.