Shouts of "Sign him up" bellowed from the Holte End as Villa fans noted the presence of an old favourite sitting in a hospitality box.
Villa were cruising against Blues in a one sided Second City derby and the Claret and Blue army needed something more to feed their interest.
Attention turned to the lower Doug Ellis stand where former Villan Paul Merson was sat enjoying the game.
Merson was a popular figure at Villa Park and he gave the fans some spectacular moments.
One of those memorable occasions came when Villa travelled to Goodison Park on 5th November 2000.
The match seemed to be heading for a draw but from nowhere Merson typically conjured up a moment of pure genius to claim a victory for the away side.
"Merse" as he is commonly known, somehow managed to lob the stranded Paul Gerrard from around 30 yards to grab a great three points.
Although the midfield maestro was primarily an entertainer, he knew how important a scrappy three points were.
And despite scoring an amazing 15 goals in their last three games, the Claret and Blue would most definitely settle for more of the same as they head to Merseyside on Sunday.
Collection
A win would mean Villa move above Everton into fifth - the final UEFA Cup place. It would be a fine achievement for a team who were sliding until just a few weeks ago.
Both sides will be fired up, but the psychological advantage must be with the away side who are unbeaten in three against their hosts.
Everton come into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and they face two daunting fixtures against Arsenal and the in form Newcastle.
A win is a must for the Toffees so the pressure is on.
David Moyes should be able to welcome back Leon Osman and influential playmaker Mikel Arteta.
Villa are likely to name an unchanged line-up from the 5-1 hammering of Birmingham City last time out.
Utility man Craig Gardner is not fit enough to make the bench but he is back in training.
It's a crucial clash for the Claret and Blue and who's to say Paul Merson won't find his way into a box a Goodison Park.
Unfortunately for Villa it will be the hospitality kind not the penalty variety but the current collection of talent has more than enough ability to claim a vital victory.