*Vassell leads Villa’s high five*

Aston Villa, who had previously scored only four away goals in 11 away games, more than doubled that tally as they ended the Premiership’s only unbeaten home record in stunning fashion.

The Villa manager Graham Taylor, who confessed to being embarrassed by his team’s abysmal record, was a relieved man as they finally achieved their first win on their travels.

The first half was barely believable, particularly for the Villa supporters who had witnessed only four goals away from home this season. It was easy to see why for 23 inconsequential minutes before Graham Taylor’s team suddenly improved their strike-rate by 50% with two goals in quick succession.

Darius Vassell claimed the first when he turned away from Stuart Parnaby’s unconvincing challenge and surged forward before beating Mark Schwarzer from 14 yards.

The Australian goalkeeper, given no chance by Vassell’s crisp finish, was certainly culpable seven minutes later when he presented Joey Gudjonsson with a goal on his debut. Schwarzer should have routinely collected the the Icelandic midfielder’s 30-yard free-kick, but inexplicably allowed it to elude him.

Middlesbrough were stunned and their plight would have been even worse if Thomas Hitzlsperger had accepted a close-range opportunity in between the two Villa goals.

However, Steve McClaren’s side were not prepared to relinquish their unbeaten home record meekly and they responded with two goals in the space of three minutes. Geremi was the provider with a 33rd-minute cross which Massimo Maccarone headed in after an inventive touch from Joseph-Desire Job. Then Jonathan Greening eased away from Olof Mellberg on the edge of the area before steering in his first goal of the season.

Villa were soon ahead again when Hitzlsperger was off-target with a fiercely-driven shot which ended up at the feet of Gareth Barry near the penalty spot. He calmly steered it past Schwarzer as Middlesbrough’s defenders appealed for offside.

Villa were now a team oozing confidence and almost stretched their lead when Maccarone cleared off the line from Stefan Moore in the 61st minute. Their fourth goal was no surprise. Vassell scored with an angled shot past Schwarzer following a cross by Jlloyd Samuel. Dion Dublin completed the rout.