Villa had enough chances to make sure of the points in the first half and, although there was an improved showing by West Ham in the second 45 minutes, Scott Carson was only occasionally tested.

It was a third successive league defeat for Alan Curbishley's side for whom Freddie Ljungberg posed the main threat with a series of crosses whipped into the box.

The pace of Ashley Young caused all sorts of problems for the Hammers down the left flank and he must have impressed watching England coach Steve McClaren.

Another member of his latest England squad, Dean Ashton, had a quiet game and looked less then 100 per cent match fit. He was also given little opportunity to make an impression by Villa central defender Martin Laursen who was outstanding again.

Villa looked to have strong claims for a penalty after 13 minutes when Lucas Neill appeared to tug at the shirt of Young as he burst into the Hammers box. But it was turned down by referee Steve Tanner to leave Villa manager Martin O'Neill incensed on the touch-line.

It was no surprise when after 24 minutes Craig Gardner struck for the second time in five days to put Villa ahead after Gabriel Agbonlahor was brought down right on the edge of the box by Gabbidon. Up stepped Gardner to drill a low shot through the wall which took a deflection off Gabbidon before flying past Green into the net.

Villa looked dangerous every time the likes of Young and Agbonlahor ran at the West Ham defence and were comfortable throughout.

Despite a greater impetus in the second half, West Ham couldn't find a way through and Villa secured another three points.