London - Aston Villa ended an appalling run of form and snatched a vital point on Saturday, holding on for a hard-earned 0-0 draw against West Ham United in the English Premier League.
Villa centre-backs Ron Vlar and Nathan Baker stoutly marshalled the visitors' defence, and the result ended a six-match losing streak for Villa.
West Ham dominated and had plenty of chances to win at Upton Park, but sloppy finishing and resolute Villa defending prevented the home side from scoring.
West Ham squandered numerous opportunities, with midfielder Stewart Downing and striker Enner Valencia forcing fine saves from Villa 'keeper Brad Guzan, and Diafra Sakho heading several times over the crossbar.
Guzan kept out a goal-bound header from substitute Andy Carroll, playing his first match of the season following an ankle injury.