Birmingham City striker apologises to fans after Aston Villa loss

Sep 15 2009

The game turned on the introduction of John Carew as Villa searched for the winner.

Agbonlahor was the player to benefit from the tall striker's arrival in the second half as Villa went sixth in the Barclays Premier League.

But the giant Norwegian striker insisted the glory belonged to his strike partner Agbonlahor who he described as a "nightmare" as far as Birmingham fans are concerned - having scored in the last two Villa matches at St Andrew's.

Agbonlahor hit the winner in the same net and with a similar header back in November 2007 as Villa went on to celebrate a 2-1 win over their rivals.

And it was Agbonlahor's header from a Carew flick-on which broke City's hearts again.

Carew, who had only come off the bench in the 70th minute, said: "That was a very important win for Aston Villa and a win is always vital in the derby for the fans.

"It was a very hard game and a real battle. It was a typical derby but thankfully we managed to win and I am happy for everybody.

"It was good for me to come on and help set up the goal for Gabby.

"It was great to be involved and to see Gabby putting his header beyond reach.

"He must be a big nightmare for the Birmingham fans but he is a dream for us."