Agbonlahor on target in Villa win

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Agbonlahor, overlooked by England coach Fabio Capello for the recent games with Slovenia and Croatia, netted the second goal just before the interval.

Another 2010 World Cup hopeful in James Milner had broken the deadlock from the penalty spot as Martin O'Neill's side cruised to victory to sustain their early challenge for a European spot.

Apart from a spell mid-way through the second half, Villa were seldom tested and the memory of their opening-day setback against Wigan is fast fading. Agbonlahor is looking sharp and hungry in attack while Milner continues to impress with his work-rate and commitment down the right flank.

Central defender Richard Dunne has also added a presence to the Villa back four after his move from Manchester City. But Portsmouth look doomed even at this early stage of the campaign to a lengthy battle against the drop after slumping to a sixth successive league reversal which leaves them still searching for their first point of the campaign.

After 33 minutes Milner broke the deadlock from the penalty spot. Portsmouth could have few complaints as Nadir Belhadj brought down Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov after his surging run into the box. Up stepped Milner and he powerfully drilled his spot-kick past James for his first league goal of the campaign.

Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel made his first save after 39 minutes in parrying a low skidding drive from Jamie O'Hara. But two minutes before the interval Agbonlahor struck to double Villa's lead.

Milner won the ball in the air and flicked it onto Agbonlahor who shrugged off the challenge of Tal Ben Haim before beating David James in the visitors' goal.

Portsmouth enjoyed their best spell of the game midway through the second half and Friedel was well positioned to keep out Fredric Piquionne's shot from 15 yards out.

England striker Emile Heskey, who was on as a substitute, needed treatment after being fouled by Ben Haim but limped out of the action to be replaced by Fabian Delph.