West Ham 0 Aston Villa 1:Aston Villa moved into the top three of the Premier League after a slice of good fortune for James Milner earned them victory over West Ham.

The winner at Upton Park came in the 78th minute after Milner's cross deflected in off Lucas Neill, with three points allowing Martin O'Neill's men to overtake Manchester United in the table.

It may be one for the dubious goals panel, but it mattered little to Milner in a week where Fabio Capello suggested he would be the next Villa youngster to get an England call-up.

O'Neill's young English players have given Villa fans real hope of breaking into the top four — but an American veteran in goal is also playing his part.

Brad Friedel produced a string of saves to keep the scores level when the Hammers threatened through Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole.

Villa's first threat came from Steve Sidwell, who drilled a low effort just wide of Robert Green's upright, then went even closer midway through the opening half after Gabriel Agbonlahor raced down the left and beat Neill for pace.

The ball was pulled back for Sidwell, with Mark Noble chasing back and doing enough to make the former Chelsea midfielder slice his finish wide.

England winger Ashley Young then struck the post after being gifted possession by Scott Parker. The error allowed Ashley Young to take the ball around Green but he was forced slightly wide and the finish clipped the far post.

Young also went inches wide with a free-kick, while Gareth Barry felt he should have had a penalty when he tussled with Neill shortly afterwards, but referee Mark Halsey waved play on.

Bellamy's pace was West Ham's outlet. Neill sent him away on the right again and when the cross came over, Curtis Davies sliced towards his own goal and Friedel was required to tip over the crossbar.

Friedel also parried a long-range effort from Valon Behrami after Davies had given the ball away cheaply.

Cole had another chance in the 64th minute after Lee Bowyer had released Bellamy to cross from the left. Luke Young blocked Cole's first effort, then Friedel produced a reflex save to stop the second.

Milner picked up a booking for tripping Kerita Ilunga, but he then earned Villa the winner 12 minutes from the end.

Friedel saved a close-range effort from Calum Davenport to keep the visitors ahead.