Aston Villa 1 Birmingham City 0 - Player ratings

Sam Johnstone

A relatively quiet afternoon for the goalkeeper, who was only forced into one save of note from a David Davis shot which may have been going wide in any case. Looked confident in both his handling and kicking. 7/10

Alan Hutton

Never the type to shy away from a battle, the Scot did his bit in raising the atmosphere around Villa Park with a second-half run, before getting into a tangle with Davis which further raised the volume. Defensively solid. 7/10

James Chester

The skipper had plenty to keep him occupied as Blues frequently took the aerial route but he handled it well. Appears a reassuring presence at the back and is never flustered on the ball. 7/10

Nathan Baker

Played his part in Villa's goal after winning the initial header at the far post and then helping to keep it alive before the ball eventually dropped for Agbonlahor. Won countless headers inside his own box. 7/10

Neil Taylor

The left-back's return to fitness was a huge boost for Villa and Bruce and he more than played his part in a strong defensive performance. A player who quietly goes about his business but whose positional sense is key. 7/10

Mile Jedinak

A powerhouse performance from the Australian midfielder. It is difficult to remember a header in Villa's own box he did not win. Was also involved in the 'head tennis' in the build-up to the goal. A leader on the pitch. 8/10

Albert Adomah

The wideman has blown hot and cold for much of the season and of late his performances have been more often on the chilly side. No questioning his work-rate but his execution in the final third was poor. 5/10

Henri Lansbury

Delivered the corner from which Agbonlahor netted the game's only goal. Aside from that, an inconsistent performance. May be next season until Villa fans begin to see the best of him. 5/10

Leandro Bacuna

The midfielder makes up for what he lacks in quality with a superb work-rate and covered acres of ground. It is, however, open to question whether he could start regularly in a promotion-challenging team. 5/10

Jack Grealish

Given the nod to play on the left wing by Bruce but this was an underwhelming performance. Rarely got past Emilio Nsue and when he did, the final ball left a lot to be desired. 5/10

Scott Hogan

The derby had been billed as the £12million striker's chance to shine but is debateable whether he was really given a chance to come out of the shadow of the suspended Jonathan Kodjia. Seems unsuited to playing up front on his own and though there could be no questioning his work-rate, he was frequently isolated and didn't have a chance of note the whole game. 5/10

Substitutes

Gabriel Agbonlahor (for Grealish, 59)

Immediately lifted the mood and his team, winning the game with his first goal in 14 months. 7/10

Gary Gardner (for Adomah, 75)

Provided some fresh legs in the middle of the park as Villa saw out the win. 6/10

Conor Hourihane (for Hogan, 83)

A late run out. N/A

Subs not used: Elphick, Hourihane, Bree, Amavi, Bunn (gk).