JAMES: Caught almost everything that came his way in tricky wind and not unduly troubled from open play- 6

RICHARDS: What a way to make your FA Cup debut. A fine show from the youngster - 7

DUNNE: He needed to be strong with less combative midfield in front if him and rose to the occasion superbly - 7

DISTIN: Another superb display from the skipper who led from the front in every way possible - 7

JORDAN: Having earned manager's wrath at Everton must now be back in good books - 7

SIBIERSKI: Had two great chances to score with headers in first half but neither found the target - 6

BARTON: Worked his socks off up and down the pitch. For long periods the game's best player - 8

MUSAMPA: Not far behind Barton in terms of effort and product. His best showing yet in midfield - 7

RIERA: Another who shone in first half finding space and making life easier for his colleagues - 6

SAMARAS: Led the line well. Imposing and dangerous and looks to have settled in well after move - 8

VASSELL: Not the homecoming he was seeking. Missed couple of chances after using pace well - 6

Subs:

Croft (for Sibierski 79) - Kept defence honest - 6

Wright-Phillips (for Vassell 82) - no time to mark

Not used: Weaver, Ireland, and Sommeil

VILLA: Sorensen, Hughes, Delaney (Ridgewell 46), Mellberg, Samuel, Milner, McCann, Davis, Barry, Moore (Angel 63) and Baros. Not used: Taylor, Hendrie, and Phillips

GOALS: Villa - Baros (72); City -

BOOKINGS: Villa - Mellberg (43); City - Dunne (32), Barton (79), Musampa (90), Richards (90)

ATTENDANCE: 23,847

REFEREE: Graeme Poll (Tring) - usual highly visible display - 5 Tweet