Agbonlahor's happy for Villa fans

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The England international's late header sunk neighbours Birmingham and ensured Villa's fans will enjoy the upper hand until the return Barclays Premier League fixture. Birmingham had dominated the second half but they paid for their failure to create any clear-cut chances when Agbonlahor swooped to finish off John Carew's headed pass.

"It shows how much it meant to everyone, the way they were celebrating," said Agbonlahor. "It makes all of their years until we play them (Birmingham) again. It is good that we've got the bragging rights."

He added: "On another day maybe it rolls wide, but John headed it back and I put my head on it and luckily it went in."

Agbonlahor was disappointed not to score a second when he found himself through on goal moments later but he ran out of steam and lofted the ball over the crossbar.

"My legs were a bit tired at the end - I tried to put it lower but it went over the bar," he added. "I was disappointed not to score that one but luckily they didn't get an equaliser so it didn't really matter."

Meanwhile Villa boss Martin O'Neill believes the striker can force his way into England's World Cup squad for next year's finals in South Africa.

Agbonlahor has not featured for England since their defeat to Spain back in February but the 22-year-old striker looked back to his best against City.

"I am delighted for Gabby," said O'Neill. "It is a big lift for him. He was excellent against Liverpool and Fulham, and again today (Sunday).

"Until the World Cup gathers momentum I have not got a major worry. If he continues to play and perform right through the season there is no reason for him to be disregarded."