Without wishing to tempt fate, Aston Villa's impressive start to the season is hopefully an indication of things to come under the often eccentric Irishman.

A combination of O'Neill's eye for talent, in tandem with the vast wealth of new American owner Randy Lerner could be the catalyst for success Villa fans everywhere have been dreaming about.

With an almost identical squad that David O'Leary had at his disposal, Martin O'Neill has instigated a quite remarkable turnaround in fortunes.

Playing a formation that incorporates two out and out wingers in local lads Luke Moore and Gabriel Agbonlahor, O'Neill has instilled an attacking instinct in his players and brought about an exciting brand of football.

Villa's fans currently watch their side in a state of disbelief following last season's insipid and colourless mix of football.

The game itself was an entertaining affair with both teams putting emphasise on attack.

Opening exchanges were end to end but it was Villa who opened the scoring as early as the forth minute.

A whipped cross from the left was met with a bullet header from Mellberg on the six yard box.

The point blank header from the Villa defender was superbly saved by Roy Carol only for Liam Ridgewell to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

Villa continued to create chances as the half wore on, the closest being an Angel header that crashed back off the crossbar.

West Ham hit back early in the second half, a corner converted by the in-form Bobby Zamora.

The Hammers sent on new Argentinean striker Tevez, but despite some clever touches he was unable to break a solid looking Villa defence.

Villa debutant Petrov came closest to grabbing a winner with a delicate lob over the goalkeeper that was hooked off the line.