Dejected Gregory ducks the fall-out

Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel, the club's record signing at £9.5million, has yet to prove himself an answer to Gregory's prayers, with no goals in three appearances.

David Ginola, meanwhile, is threatening to become as much of a misfit at Villa Park as Stan Collymore ever was. The Frenchman made a hasty return to his north London home after being informed that he did not feature in selection plans for a game which, as it happened, was altogether too raw-boned for his Gallic sensitivities, with Villa striker Darius Vassell and Leicester wing back Callum Davidson dismissed before half-time for double-bookings.

The players chosen by Gregory gave him commitment and, for much of the game, vast territorial advantage, but the missed opportunities, defensive errors and plain bad luck which have dogged them in the league were ever-present.

Ade Akinbiyi capitalised on a slip by defender Gareth Barry and a rebound off goalkeeper David James to put Leicester ahead in the 41st minute, but Villa equalised in the 75th through substitute Julian Joachim, and at that stage looked most likely to win.

But, eight minutes after replacing Akinbiyi, Icelander Gunnlaugsson strode through a static Villa defence to unleash a volley of awesome power and accuracy.

Leicester's resilience in the face of intense second-half pressure was highlighted by the industry of Savage.

The Wales midfielder suffered a freak accident at his home on Friday evening, stepping on a piece of broken glass which embedded itself in his right foot. He said: 'I called the club physiotherapist who was unable to remove it, and I ended up in hospital at 11pm having a minor operation.

'The doctor wanted to put stitches in, but that would have meant missing the game. I was so desperate to play that I just asked him to pad it up and give me painkillers - and the result made it all worthwhile.'

Joachim, back in action - albeit on the losing side - after a nine-week absence with a broken toe, remained defiant. 'It's only a matter of time before we put things right because there is just too much quality and experience here for us not to start climbing up the Premiership,' he said.

Time, though, is a commodity of which Gregory may find himself running short.