Tom Cleverley is what Villa are all about

Manager Tim Sherwood believes Tom Cleverley epitomises Aston Villa's fighting spirit after the midfielder's goal put them within touching distance of safety.

The on -oan Manchester United midfielder netted his third goal in as many games as Villa beat West Ham 1-0 to record their second successive home win and move four points clear of the drop zone.

After Hull's defeat at home to Burnley, Sherwood's side now need to win just one of their final two games to secure top flight status but the manager insists there is still work to do.

"Everyone's getting unlikely results at the moment, that's the problem," he said. "It's in our own hands. If we do our own job we're going to be in the Premier League next season.

"But I think you're going to see a few twists and turns before the end. We talked about complacency but I didn't see it today.

"I saw a very open, attacking performance in the first period and a really professional job, seeing it out and getting three points in the second period.

"So putting it all together I'm happy with the group. There's some real maturity growing and some real flair around the squad.

"I'm pleased for them. There are some who are not fit but willing to put their body on the line for the cause which is pleasing.

"Tom Cleverley epitomises that. Although he's as fit as a fiddle, he's an Aston Villa player for the time-being.

"Yet you'd think he was a Jack Grealish - born and bred a Villa fan with the way he played."

Sherwood was delighted with Villa's first half performance as they dominated against the poor Hammers.

The second half showing was less convincing but the visitors still struggled to threaten.

Sherwood added: "It was impossible to be as dominant in the second half as we were in the first half, for 90 minutes. This is a Premier League game, you don't really get 90 minutes of domination.

"But it was as comfortable as it could be at this time of the season. In the first half we were more open and expansive.

"In the second half we were professional and knew when to kill the game off.

"We limited them to one header at goal which you would expect Shay to save. Even in the second period we were creating the better chances."