A late Villa burst was a sight to behold as striker Gabriel Agbonlahor hit a stunning seven-minute hat-trick to make sure that Mark Hughes’ first game as City boss was a miserable one.

Memories of a goalless first-half were soon dispelled, as Villa striker John Carew took just minutes of the second half to nod home Ashley Young’s cross.

But City did fight back in the 64th minute, albeit from the penalty spot through Elano, after Michael Johnson was fouled.

Villa took five minutes to restore the lead, Carew’s knockdown presenting it on a plate to fire in, Agbonlahor opening his account.

The England U21 striker got his second just two minutes later, meeting Gareth Barry’s cross to strengthen the lead.

Another two minutes later, the hat-trick and three points for Martin O’Neill’s side were complete.

Agbonlahor ran on to a slide-rule pass from that man again Barry in the 76th minute, before defender Vedran Corluka’s 89th minute consolation for the visitors.