Derby County's troubled Premiership season sunk into further chaos as they lost 2-0 to Aston Villa at Villa Park last weekend. Aston Villa sealed their fifth win in seven home games in this Premier League campaign as they shrugged off indifferent form that had seen them draw 0-0 against West Ham.

For Derby County, it looks like the writing is already on the wall and it will take a serious miracle if they are to avoid relegation this season. Derby have let in 26 goals in 12 games so far this season and look like they are resigned to their fate. Manager Billy Davies watched helplessly as his side fought well in the first half, but lost because of second half goals.

For Derby County, Steve Howard threatened first sending s cracker of a shot that tested Scott Carson, who parried it away. Villa bounced back with a Zat Knight screamer that struck Stephen Bywater on the face, but did not pierce his defense. Craig Fagan came close for Derby again, but his shot was just over.

After the break, things looked up for Aston Villa with Gabriel Agbonlahor troubling the Rams no end. Gary Teale replaced Claude Davis for Derby at the break, but could not have any say in the game. The deadlock was finally broken in the 57th minute when a free kick by Young picked up Barry at the far post. The Villa skipper nodded the ball to Martin Laursen, who made no mistake.

Four minutes after this Ashley Young sealed the game for Villa when he collected a Reo-Coker pass and slotted it past Bywater. Young was replaced by Shaun Maloney late on, but by then he had made a firm statement in the game.

Aston Villa are 9th in the Premiership with 18 points from 9 games, while Derby have bottomed out with 6 points from 12 games. Watch Premier League live on free-football.tv