Aston Villa 1 West Ham 0
Midfielder Tom Cleverley's third goal in as many games earned Aston Villa a vital three points in their battle against the drop.
The on-loan Manchester United midfielder side-footed home in the 31st minute after superb skill by Jack Grealish created the chance.
Villa were well on top during the first half but their failure to add to the lead meant a nervy finale.
But they saw it out against a poor West Ham to move four points clear of the drop zone.
Tim Sherwood's side need just one win from their final two games, away at Southampton and then at home to Burnley, to secure Premier League safety for another season.
Sunderland's win at Everton in the lunchtime kick-off put the pressure on Villa before kick-off and they began on the front foot, Leandro Bacuna firing a free-kick just over the bar.
The bright start continued as Hammers keeper Adrian was forced to push away Cleverley's snap volley from Fabian Delph's left-wing cross.
Benteke then couldn't turn home at the near post after Okore had flicked on a Delph free-kick.
The Villa skipper was then denied by a crucial block from Mark Noble after Benteke had nodded Jack Grealish's crossfield ball into his path.
Villa deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute with Grealish the architect. He raced to the byline, between two defenders and pulled back for Cleverley to side foot home.
Adrian held a curling effort from Ashley Westwood, while Bacuna hammered over from the right-hand side of the box.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce made two changes at the break and one of the new men, Nene, had the visitors first effort of the match early in the second period when he hammered a shot just over from 25 yards out.
N'Zogbia went close to doubling the home side's advantage when he jinked past a couple of challenges and fired into the side-netting.
West Ham were much improved but still struggling to test Shay Given in the Villa goal.
The hosts missed chances when N'Zogbia dawdled for too long on a Delph pull back and then Benteke was unable to connect with Cleverley's ball across the six yard box.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, on a as a substitute, missed the chance to seal it in stoppage time when he dragged wide after latching on to Grealish's long ball.
Adrian also pushed out a Cleverley shot but in the end, one goal was enough.
(Picture courtesy of Aston Villa)
