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One Villa man at least has already felt the benefit of Fash's battering at opposition defences - Dean Saunders has received a new lease of goals as a direct result of the efforts of John Fashanu, sometimes clumsy but always very much for the point.

Until the last 120 seconds last night, Saunders’ sweeping right-footed shot had seemed sufficient to earn fitful Villa their first victory of the season, although their right to the full spoils become more arguable by the minute.

Flashes of the most brilliant plumage almost vanished with the last view of Fashanu’s big red boots after an hour, the turning point of a game that Southampton might've been surprised it was still seriously contesting.

Abandoning their three-man central defence upon his departure Saints moved Matthew Le Tissier to central midfield where his destructive influence was immediate and eventually equalising.

Villa, defending too deeply, were caught flat-footed when the Channel Islander struck the hammer blow, the ball rising from 25 yards beyond goalkeeper Mark Bosnich’s leap.

No stopping such a shot, but preventing it might have been possible had not the home side returned to the habit of the opening 15 minutes in allowing Saints to progress practically unhindered to the edge of the area.

Ray Houghton who had an exceptionally productive first half, Andy Townsend, Garry Parker and Dwight Yorke admirably assertive when they barked but defensively they bit with all the snap of a stiff jawbone.

Fashanu must love the sweet build ups. The last time Wimbledon passed like Villa can, the real crazy gang was in London's musicals.

But how he must hate the midfield tameness, their urgency lasting only so long as a team are on the attack.

Other duties were chores and although Paul McGrath Ugo Ehiogu dealt capably with many of those, there was always a chance someone would take advantage.

That man was Le Tissier, scorer of 4 goals against Villa last season.

Ehiogu was close to celebrating his new four-year contract with a headed goal after 19 minutes and soon afterwards Yorke rapped a shot wide of the far post.

Bosnich dived low to stop Nicky Banger’s drive before Saunders, relishing the space created by Fashanu’s presence, was given two chances to turn past beyond Francis Benali before placing a firm right footed shot wide of Bruce Grobbelaar.

Twice more Saunders might have added to his two goals in two games and Dalian Atkinson, replacing Fasahnu, later diverted a Saunders’ mistimed shot into the side netting.

By then Le Tissier was taking aim.

He sent one of Southampton’s dozen free kicks - referee Don award Villa a total of three high - over the bar, then teased Bosnich into an arching catch with a chip shot.

The goalkeeper and McGrath flung themselves in the way of attempts by Banger and Neil Maddison conjured up by Le Tissier before he stunned Villa with his goal.

Villa’s performance was reminiscent of many last season when they promised the Sun and delivered sunny periods with lots of shower.

No doubt will win big matches but two points against sides expected to struggle suggest the Fashanu’s ruthlessness needs to rub off on a number of players.