Nathan Delfouneso netted a brace as Villa thumped Blues in the battle of the reserve sides at Villa Park.
The England under-21 striker hit a double after winger Marc Albrighton and Austrian ace Andreas Weimann had given the Claret and Blue second string a two-goal lead.
It was a really super show from the home side who are threatening to run away with the Reserve League South title for a third year in succession.
They were sitting two points clear of Arsenal with a game in hand, going into the encounter but after such a dominant display from Villa the Gunners must be wondering just how they can close the gap.
Delfouneso was the goal hero once again and was only denied a hat-trick by the linesman's flag. Albrighton was also superb.
The young wideman looks a real prospect and he capped his fine showing with a super strike. He also set up both of Delfouneso's goals.
Weimann wasn't to be left out and his goal was a real peach too.
Martin O'Neill must be purring over the players that he has in reserve and they are beginning to knock on the first team door.