RED-hot Dwight Yorke melted Dennis Bergkamp's Wembley reservation, after the Arsenal iceman had coolly fired Arsenal into a two-goal lead in their Coca- Cola Cup semi-final at Highbury.

But Brian Little's 24- year-old Tobagan is in irrepressible form and took his haul to eight goals in six games as he hauled the Midlanders level.

Now the four-times winners must be favourites to reach their seventh final from the second leg next Wednesday they have not lost at Villa Park for nine years and 21 games in their favourite competition.

They should have gone into that game ahead with Yorke denied his hat-trick only by a wonderful reflex save by England goalkeeper David Seaman in the 78th minute.

Tommy Johnson had just crashed a shot against the Arsenal crossbar and the goal appeared at Yorke's mercy as he latched onto the rebound 10 yards out, but Seaman picked himself off the floor and saved with his legs.