Steve Bruce had to settle for a 1-1 draw against local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers in his first game in charge of Aston Villa in the Championship.
The ex-Sunderland and Wigan manager's appointment was confirmed this week as he made the move to the opposite side of Birmingham, having previously managed City earlier in his career.
Villa made a positive start with a 15th minute penalty from Ivorian forward Jonathan Kodjia after ex-Ireland under-21 midfielder Jack Grealish had been fouled by Dominic Iorfa.
But the lead did not last long as a Helder Costa penalty put Wolves level on 34 minutes.
Wolves had the better of the chances at Aston Villa overall as they had 11 attempts on goal to the Birmingham side's 4 - although Villa led 3-2 on shots on target.
The result keeps Aston Villa just one point clear of the relegation zone back in 20th and nine points adrift of the final promotion playoff place occupied by derby rivals Birmingham City.
Wolves are now 12th, five points ahead of Villa.
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