Luis Antonio Valencia assured
Jason Koumas was described as the man of the moment for the visitors in the matchday programme, but it was Ecuadorian Valencia who stole the show.
The tricky winger scored two goals inside 11 second half minutes to crush the party atmosphere at
The day was supposed to mark Olof Mellberg's last appearance in front of the adoring Holte End but the Villa faithful were left demoralised by a poor performance from his teammates.
After a valiant display at Everton last Sunday, Villa were anything but against a strong and determined
Steve Bruce had lost to Martin O'Neill twice this season and his side epitomised their manager's burning desire to claim a much needed moral victory.
The game started in a surprisingly flat fashion considering the immense hype surrounding the occasion.
Mellberg played in a marauding state of mind in front of the smattering of yellow
But the even the Villa legend couldn't inspire his teammates in a first half devoid of goalscoring opportunities.
Villa did manage to test Chris Kirkland on a couple of occasions through headers from Zat Knight and Gabby Agbonlahor.
The on form Agbonlahor saw his header tipped on to the bar by
Crumbling
They started the second half on the back foot but against the run of play the visitors took the lead.
The goal looked to have panicked Villa but they were devoid of ideas and Patrick Berger was brought on.
Berger replaced Zat Knight which pushed Nigel Reo-Coker to right back and the defensive reshuffle caused confusion which
The elegant
Their response was limited and even super sub Marlon Harewood couldn't conjure a goal.
Agbonlahor was again denied by the inspired
For the man to whom the day was dedicated, a fond farewell beckoned at the final whistle, but this was not the parting shot Olof Mellberg was dreaming of.