Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert spoke of his relief at a “huge win” over West Ham which moved the midlands club out of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Aston Villa 2 West Ham 1

Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 3

Aston Villa 1 West Brom 1

Newcastle Utd 1 Aston Villa 1

Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 1

West Brom 0 Aston Villa 0

Aston Villa have secured the signing of Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia for a fee of £9.5m.

ARSENAL moved into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with victory over Wigan at a freezing Emirates Stadium.

That Newcastle somehow managed to salvage a point and avoid the ignominy of three successive home defeats does little to mask what is turning out to be a worrying slide for Chris Hughton and his Premier League new boys.

WIGAN missed a golden opportunity to ease their relegation worries as they were held to a goalless draw by an already-relegated and understrength Portsmouth.

CHARLES N’ZOGBIA hit the post as neighbouring relegation rivals Wigan and Bolton fought out a drab goalless draw last night.

Wigan 0 Bolton 0

Newcastle 1 Bolton 0

French midfielder Charles N’Zogbia has dealt Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan a blow by admitting he is still keen on a move, with Premier League rivals Arsenal a preferred destination.

Everton 3 Newcastle 1

Newcastle 0 Aston Villa 0

MICHAEL OWEN finally made his long-awaited comeback but the England striker’s presence could not prevent Newcastle slipping to defeat.

BORO boss Gareth Southgate insisted Stewart Downing should not shoulder any blame for recent England disappointments after watching his in-form star inspire victory over Newcastle at the Riverside Stadium.

NEWCASTLE boss Glenn Roeder was left to rue more reckless defending as his side once again threw away a lead to lose at home.

ASTON Villa manager Martin O’Neill spelt out the need to bring in new blood before the transfer window closes despite the Randy Lerner era getting underway with victory over Newcastle.

Wigan 1 Newcastle 0

Tottenham 1 Newcastle 0