Gabby Agbonlahor was the derby day hero once again as Villa won a drab encounter at St Andrews.
The speedy striker used his head to good effect after a flick-on from substitute John Carew with five minutes to go.
Neither side had really created any clear cut chances before Agbonlahor struck the winner, but in the last couple of minutes there were two great opportunities for Villa to double their lead.
First it was Agbonlahor, who wasted a one on one and then Carew did likewise as he misplaced an easy two yard lay-off to James Milner.
But, in the end, it was to matter not as the Claret and Blue claimed their third win in a row and their fifth consecutive victory against the Blues.
Martin O'Neill had named a new-look back four for the big derby battle with recent acquisitions Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock all making their debuts.
Carlos Cuellar lined up at right back and with five in midfield; Agbonlahor ploughed a lone furrow up front.
Until the introduction of Carew with 20 minutes to go, the England prospect was isolated with few opportunities coming his way.
He did have a sniff of a chance just before half time, however, but his header was sent off target by Blues defender Roger Johnson.
Pride
Prior to that, Milner scuffed a chance wide after good work from Agbonlahor and Blues man Lee Bowyer had an effort easily saved by Brad Friedel.
After the break, the game continued to be fought out in midfield with a complete lack of goalmouth action.
The passing of some of the players was at times embarrassing with Milner the main culprit for Villa.
But, as the game seemed to be fading out into a bore draw, Carew was introduced and his presence paid massive dividends for the Claret and Blue.
Ashley Young swung a ball into the box and his big Norwegian team mate headed the ball to Agbonlahor, who guided the ball home from seven yards.
The scenes were reminiscent of two years ago when, with just a few minutes to go at St Andrews, the young hit man headed the winner in front of the Villa fans.
There was similar elation for the away following this time and the city bragging rights are theirs once again.
Aston Villa - the pride of Birmingham.