Gabriel Agbonlahor's late header gave Aston Villa [ Images ] a 1-0 away win at Premier League rivals Birmingham City [ Images ] on Sunday.

Villa, who had new signings Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock making their debuts in defence, shaded the first half with England [ Images ] midfielder James Milner [ Images ] spurning several chances.

Five minutes from time Agbonlahor latched on to substitute striker John Carew's centre to head low past Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart [ Images ] for his second goal in as many games.

Villa could have made it 2-0 minutes later but Agbonlahor s shot over the bar with only Hart to beat.