Villa 3 Blackburn 2 - analysis

Chelsea conquered it under Jose Mourinho, Manchester United are masters of it and Liverpool lead the league because of it.

The ability to play poorly yet still walk away with three points is a hallmark of any successful side and there was further evidence last night it is fast becoming a trait in this Villa team.

This performance wasn't pretty by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, at times it was dreadful. It was nothing like that of a side that had won their last two games and were defending an unbeaten home record in the league.

Villa were short on ideas, confidence and, less surprisingly, energy.

Blackburn were far better in possession and did not deserve to lose – both Martin O'Neill and his players admitted it.

So, how interesting then that O'Neill described this as their best win of the season. Not the opening-day demolition of Manchester City. Not the expansive and entertaining success over Spurs in September.

Not even last week's inspired UEFA Cup victory over Ajax. No, this was the most important.

Why? Because good performances should supply three points and only the very best teams manage to win when at their worst.

If they are to take the fight for a Champions League spot to the wire it is a habit they will have to reproduce when these inevitable "off nights" occur. Not that they can afford to make a habit of them.

For now, all that matters is Villa currently find themselves in fourth, one of those golden spots, with a quarter of the season complete.

There is no question it will be a major psychological boost in the dressing room, even if the fact they must wait until Monday to play Newcastle means it could be only for a few days.

This was Villa's 11th game in five weeks – even taking into consideration the international break – and the visit to St James' Park will be the first of a further three games in seven days.

The message to O'Neill that changes are now necessary could not have been clearer and his comments afterwards said it had been received.

Both Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker looked in need of a rest, which could open the door to Steve Sidwell. The unfortunate Curtis Davies seems likely to be restored in defence too. Marlon Harewood, Zat Knight and Craig Gardner are also likely to get their chance soon.

Villa persevered with a 4-5-1 formation with Gabby Agbonlahor the lone striker.

Their lack of firepower was evident early on when Gareth Barry squared invitingly across goal but not a single Villa shirt was waiting in the middle.

Ex-Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel saved well from Keith Andrews but it was the visitors who took the lead when Carlos Villanueva picked out Benni McCarthy – only on the field after Roque Santa Cruz injured himself in the warm-up.

McCarthy held the ball up brilliantly before laying the off for Stephen Warnock to apply an equally impressive finish. Villa's reaction was sluggish but they got a break in first-half stoppage time.

The sight of Young turning games for Villa is a common one. Just not Luke. He grabbed his first Villa goal, bundling home Nicky Shorey's cross. It summed up the 90 minutes: not at all pretty but it achieved the aim. John Carew replaced Petrov and Villa improved.

By the 65th minute they were ahead, Milner "working miracles" in the words of O'Neill to hold off the challenge of Andre Ooijer to give Barry the simplest of finishes.

Ashley Young endured a largely quiet evening but his delightfully lofted pass sent Agbonlahor racing through with four minutes left.

Chris Samba became the latest defender to fruitlessly chase Gabby's shadow, as the Villa man accelerated away and coolly slotted home.

It proved the decisive goal as Brett Emerton pulled one back with a wonderful free-kick in the dying seconds.

Five-goal thriller? Not by any means. But no one in claret and blue cared.

Aston Villa: Friedel, Luke Young, Shorey, Laursen, Cuellar, Barry, Milner, Petrov (Carew 46), Reo-Coker (Sidwell 83), Ashley Young, Agbonlahor (Harewood 90).

Blackburn: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock (Kerimoglu 68), Emerton, Andrews, Simpson, Pedersen (Olsson 79), Villanueva, McCarthy (Derbyshire 79).

Att: 35,985.

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hamps).