Blues were beaten by Gabriel Agbonlahor's headed goal for Villa just five minutes from the end of the Birmingham derby at St Andrews on Sunday lunchtime. "We played really well and got about Villa. I don't think we allowed them to play at all today. "We nullified the threat of Agbonlahor and Young. The difference between us and Villa, in financial clout and quality, is a big gulf but it didn't look like it today. "I can't fault the players but the only criticism is that we allowed two headers from an Ashley Young free-kick for their goal, we have just got to deal with those balls. "Players switch off and turn and watch the ball. Agbonlahor turned and slipped his man. We have still got to defend it whether it was a free-kick or not. "We have got to be really vigilant in these situations. The Premier League is about concentration, pace and quality and concentration undid us a little bit. "We need to pick up points. We are creating chances but we are not putting them in the back of the net. That is costly.
"The defeat was very harsh," McLeish said after the 1-0 defeat.
"I'm just sorry we couldn't get something more from the game as I think we deserved more.
"Roger Johnson was fantastic today but Carew slipped his grasp. But then we have to defend the second ball and that's often the one that kills you.
"Overall I am pleased with the quality we have shown. I didn't think there was a huge gulf between the teams in terms of quality."