Whatever your view, there is no doubt that, for the first time in a number of away games, the Claret and Blue let their travelling fans down.
Goals from Jack Rodwell, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill broke Martin O'Neill's side, who could only manage a brief moment of parity through James Milner's spot kick.
The absence of Gareth Barry, Martin Laursen and Emile Heskey really told as the Claret and Blue looked weak in the middle of the pitch.
Replacement for Barry, Steve Sidwell, had what can only be described as a shocker and John Carew - in for Heskey - was no better.
Stiliyan Petrov, who was handed the captain's armband, proved to be the only saving grace from a Villa perspective. His passing and overall control of the game was once again a joy to behold.
Unfortunately, though, one man can't make a team and even with Everton missing key men, including Belgian powerhouse Marouane Fellaini and goal scoring midfielder Leon Osman, Villa could not get into the game.
Having won their last seven league games on the road, the Claret and Blue were confident of victory, especially considering the Toffees injury list but they did not bargain for a determined display from David Moyes' men.
The trouble started in just the fourth minute as Cahill won a free header and Petrov cleared off the line only to see the ball fall to Rodwell who fired in.
In a way Villa didn't mind the goal being given as Petrov appeared to use a hand to stop the ball and he could easily have been sent off had a penalty been awarded.
Lunge
The away side weren't behind for long as a typically slick break saw Agbonlahor scythed down in the box by Tony Hibbert and Referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot.
With no Barry, the responsibility fell to Milner whose low penalty squirmed under the body of Tim Howard. It was a poor effort but Villa didn't care as parity was restored.
Everton reacted and began to pressure Villa more and more.
And Atkinson was again in the spotlight as Sidwell stupidly brought down Victor Anichebe, who had burst through on goal.
It was so silly from the ginger ninja and Villa fans will have been wondering why he decided to make such a dangerous lunge in his own area when Zat Knight was coming across to cover.
Sidwell was consequently booked and Arteta made no mistake from the spot.
Villa had a chance to level matters before half time but Agbonlahor missed a free header from a superb Ashley Young centre.
It was a great cross from the winger but in truth it was his only meaningful contribution as he failed to show the explosive form that saw him net twice at Goodison Park in December.
The second half started slowly with Everton happy to keep the ball and stop Villa at every turn.
But, gradually, the away side started to get more and more into the game.
They won a number of corners and had a few long range shots but none which went anywhere near to testing Howard.
Then, the moment for Carew to make an impact arrived.
Revenge
The striker had looked lethargic throughout the game but out of nowhere he diverted a Milner delivery goalwards. Unfortunately for the cumbersome Norwegian, his delicate flick was superbly turned wide by Howard.
Villa continued to push for the goal that would earn a replay but, on the break, they were caught.
Curtis Davies failed to deal with a tame centre and the ball fell to Cahill in acres of space. He couldn't miss and the game was as good as over.
Villa fans are not used to losing away and this defeat will have been all the more bitter as they are now out of a competition which they really could have won.
For Everton, revenge was sweet.
After losing to the Villans in December via a cruel late Young goal, the Toffees claimed a win they deserved. They can keep dreaming of a Wembley showpiece.
O'Neill will now have to rally his troops for a clash with CSKA Moscow in midweek. It's a clash which takes on added importance after this defeat.
But, if the Claret and Blue defend like this at Villa Park on Wednesday they can wave goodbye to their chance of silverware for this season.
The league is obviously the priority with Villa sitting proudly in third, but winning a trophy would be oh so sweet.
The F.A. Cup has gone for another year but it's still all to play for starting with that Moscow match-up.