John Carew and Ashley Young both grabbed a brace as Aston Villa stormed to a superb 5-1 victory over Birmingham City at Villa Park. Birmingham now have three games to save their Premiership status. Ashley Young was simply outstanding in front of the watching England boss Fabio Capello.

Villa were always prepared to attack with Carew just heading wide and a Gareth Barry free-kick to the top far corner of the net was pushed away by Maik Taylor.

Villa's pressure had to be rewarded despite Birmingham's stout resistance and in the 29th minute a badly mis-hit shot by Olof Mellberg bounced across to the unmarked Young to lash a tremendous right foot shot to left of Taylor.

Two minutes before half time an Ashley Young free kick was flicked into the net by John Carew for his 11th of the season.

Carew was again on the mark in the 53rd minute when Young put Barry clear to provide a low cross from the right which the big Villa striker, completely unmarked, was able to strike home.

Ashley Young was on hand to grab another goal, as he turned Stephen Kelly and powered a shot at goal, which Maik Taylor was unable to keep hold of, but Young was there to slot home.

Birmingham pulled one back in the 68th from Mikael Forssell, thanks to good work from James McFadden.

There was still time for one more however, as Ashley Young again turned provider to set up Agbonlahor to make it 5-1 and wrap up the result.