Premier League round-up:Gabriel Agbonlahor struck for the third successive match to propel Aston Villa towards a fourth Premier League win on the trot — and pile on more misery for bottom-placed Portsmouth as they went down 2-0 at Villa Park.
Agbonlahor, overlooked by England coach Fabio Capello for the recent games with Slovenia and Croatia, netted the decisive 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.
Republic of Ireland 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.
Only Kevin-Prince Boateng emerged with much credit for the visitors who look short of confidence.
Substitute Garry O'Connor headed a late winner as Birminghamfinally beat Boaz Myhill to claim a scrappy 1-0 win at Hull.
Myhill had been outstanding throughout an eventful encounter at the KC Stadium, producing brilliant saves from the lively Christian Benitez and Lee Bowyer.
Joe Hart was also kept busy in the Birmingham goal and Hull’s Seyi Olofinjana hit the bar late on but O’Connor’s 75th-minute effort proved decisive.
It was only Birmingham’s third goal of the season but the reasons why Hull went into the game with the worst defence in the competition were only too evident.
Ecuador striker Benitez, making his first league start, was a threat throughout and was unlucky to come up against Myhill in such good form.
Yet Blues could consider themselves fortunate to come away with the point as Hart was the less convincing of the two keepers and Hull caused some moments of panic in his area.
Matt Taylor came to Bolton'srescue with a minute remaining by scoring from the penalty spot at the Reebok Stadium to secure a 1-1 draw with Stoke.
The midfielder showed a cool head after Danny Collins had been hauled back for a challenge on Sam Ricketts.
Stoke were stunned as they were in sight of their first away victory on the road in the league this season.
Dave Kitson had given them the lead in the 52nd minute with his third goal in six games in all competitions.
