Villa lose for the 3rd time in 19 League games under John Gregory in a controversial loss at Blackburn as they suffer outrageous misfortune from a poor refereeing performance that hands the hosts an undeserved win as a Christmas gift. 

Dermot Gallagher’s latest failing forces Villa to lose their advantage after three months at the top of the Premier League table as they fall to 2nd place for the first time in 14 games.

Michael Oakes is sent off on his 47th appearance in a Villa shirt (45 Starts) to make it W18 D11 L18, 58 Goals Conceded at a rate of 1.23 goals per game and 15 Clean Sheets (32%) so far in his Villa career. 

Adam Rachel, 22, makes his sole appearance in a Villa shirt following the sending off of Michael Oakes to become the 732nd player to play for Villa in first team League or Cup football. Rachel would move on to Blackpool in September 1999 without adding to his appearances.

Riccardo Scimeca scores his first goal in a Villa shirt on his 83rd appearance (54 Starts) to make it W42 D16 L25, 1 Goal and 4 Bookings so far in his Villa career. 

Steve Watson makes his 10th start in a Villa shirt (11 Appearances) to make it W4 D3 L34, 2 Assists and 1 Booking so far in his Villa career.

Future Villa boss Tim Sherwood scores the winner for Blackburn against 10 man Villa on 88’ whilst future Villa centre forward Chris Sutton lines up for the Rovers.