THEY say you learn something new every day and yesterday was no different.

The first thing I learned was that Joey Barton is NOT the best English midfielder despite his recent comments which suggested otherwise.

But more importantly I learned that Villa are not going down to the Championship – at least not if they continue to play the way they did yesterday afternoon.

Barton failed to impress after recently branding himself as the best Englishman of his kind and was tormented by the Villa support throughout.

In fact, it was his soft-looking foul on Ashley Young that lead to James Collins’ opening goal.

At times, Villa looked nervous after Collins had given them an early lead but they held out to record a much-needed victory and distance themselves from the relegation zone.

Results had gone Villa’s way on Saturday and before kick off yesterday Arsenal saw off Blackpool to leave Villa with the perfect opportunity to move clear of the pack.

They seized the opportunity and are now five points above the dreaded drop zone.

Gerard Houllier stuck with the 4-4-2 formation that fans have been crying out for with Gabby Agbonlahor partnering Darren Bent up front.

The only change from the team that drew 2-2 with Everton last weekend was the return of club captain Stiliyan Petrov, who replaced Nigel Reo-Coker in the starting line-up.

The Bulgarian’s presence made Villa look a lot more solid in the middle of the park as he defensively out-gunned his Geordie opponents.

Newcastle dominated the opening exchanges and enjoyed large spells of possession but rarely threatened Brad Friedel’s goal.

The first chance fell to Barton but he headed Jonas Gutierrez’s cross high into the Holte End on 13 minutes.

The Toon Army, who were backed by a large following, continued to press but the closest they came in the first half was on 20 minutes when Nile Ranger shot straight at Friedel.

After weathering the early storm, Villa took the lead in the 24th minute. Barton’s foul on Young midway in the Newcastle half gave the wing wizard the opportunity to whip in one of his trademark teasing deliveries.

As usual, it was pinpoint perfect, enabling Collins to rise the highest and glance his header past Steve Harper.