DALIAN Atkinson and Dean Saunders quickly demonstrated their lethal partnership with three goals between them to plunge QPR to a heavy defeat.

Each goal was a fine individual effort as Villa's strike force quickly posted their intentions for the season.

In an explosive last two minutes. Atkinson and Steve Staunton scored Villa's third and fourth goals.

Villa began and finished full of promise and enterprise but they often had to go on the defensive against a Rangers side inspired by the peerless Ray Wilkins.

In the 38th minute Atkinson raced on to a pass from Andy Townsend to slip the ball into the net as goalkeeper Tony Roberts and Clive Wilson converged upon him.

But Rangers showed resolution with Les Ferdinand grabbing an opportunist 44th minute equaliser with a perfect shot on the volley.

Villa's composure was ruffled but they regrouped to hit back in commendable style.

Saunders scored with an explosive shot from 30 yards in the 62nd minute, just three minutes after Gordon Cowans had replaced Ray Houghton.

Villa then went to town and were rewarded with their late double strike.

Atkinson scored with another long range effort and this was followed by Staunton's blockbuster.