Villa shook off the disappointment of falling to sign Liverpool striker Dean Saunders at least for the time being as they stormed to their first home win of the season.

Dwight Yorke, Steve Staunton and Steve Froggatt grabbed the goals to leave Palace still winless after seven Premier League matches.

Star of the show was Ray Houghton who dominated in midfield and looks to be forming a formidable partnership with the also impressive Garry Parker.

Villa manager Ron Atkinson had appeared on the pitch before the kick-off to squash reports that the Saunders deal was dead and he told supporters:

“We shah be doing our utmost to bring him here next week."

Villa took the lead with a superb goal after 18 minutes in a move started and finished by Yorke, who returned to action after a three-month absence through Injury.

Staunton increased Villa's lead two minutes before the interval in spectacular style. Parker's cross was cleared by Lee Sinnott and the Republic of Ireland International crashed a 30- yard shot past Nigel Martin.

The Palace goalkeeper produced a splendid save to keep out Yorke's close range header after the break before Villa wrapped up the points in the 72nd minute.

Skipper Kevin Richardson's through ball found Houghton whose chip cannoned off the bar back to Froggatt who scored his first league goal for the club.