Dean proves the reel deal in the derby
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THERE ARE 3 WAYS YOU CAN ORDER DEAN SMITH became the new king of the Second City derby after a treating his players to a half-time scary movie.
Almost 38 years after his first taste of the rivalry as an Aston Villa fan, Smith celebrated victory as a manager in one of English football’s most visceral duels.
Villa extended their unbeaten league record against Birmingham to 13 games – but they only surged up to eighth in the Championship after Smith made them watch clips of where they were going wrong at the interval.
Smith lingered on the pitch after the final whistle to congratulate his players and savour the acclaim of a bawdy congregation.
He said: “I didn’t enjoy the game for 30 minutes because we didn’t move the ball quick enough, but the lads took responsibility out there.
“I went through the roller-coaster – I don’t think we played very well and there’s a lot more to this group than we showed.
“At half-time we could get them in and show them some clips of what we wanted. But it was a fantastic win and we sent a lot of people home happy – I have a lot of family and friends who are Villa fans.”
Typically, the 127th Villa-Blues contest was but instead found themselves 2-1 down. Che Adams could only hit the post when it looked easier to score from Craig Gardner’s cross. Villa made the most of their escape seconds later when Jonathan Kodjia put away the equaliser from Albert Adomah’s cross.
And within 90 seconds, from another Adomah assist, Jack Grealish stooped to head in at the back post.
After the break Villa earned some breathing space when Michael Morrison tripped Tammy Abraham in the box and the England striker picked himself up to score from the spot.
Kristian Pedersen’s crisp volley from Adams’ cross gave the Blues hope, but the bragging rights were settled by the ‘Scottish Cafu’ 14 minutes from time.
Alan Hutton garnished a mazy 40-yard run with a cool finish into the bottom corner. He celebrated by picking out a saltire in the Holte End and jumping into the crowd at the expense of a yellow card.
Birmingham boss Garry Monk said: “There are no excuses. For 35 minutes we were excellent and nullified them, but we need to get back to the toughness we had earlier in the season.”
ASTON VILLA BIRMINGHAM (4-4-2):
Booked: Goals: Referee: (4-3-1-2): Goals: Booked: