ASTON VILLA 4, BOLTON 2

VILLA suddenly look comfortable in their surroundings - and even Martin O'Neill has stopped twitching nervously.

But, while he has calmed down, the Villa boss is still dampening down the expectations that are circling his side.

O'Neill should stop worrying. If there is a team now capable of breaking the monopoly of the Big Four, then his men look like the best candidates.

They have choked on the chance to overtake Arsenal in previous weeks but, this time, they grabbed it with both hands.

Goals from Gabby Agbonlahor (2), Ashley Young and a Kevin Davies own goal allowed Villa to put some daylight between themselves and the Gunners.

And with Arsene Wenger's side next up at Villa Park on Boxing Day, they have the chance to prove they are contenders and not the great pretenders.

But O'Neill said: "The other four teams have the experience, capabilities and bigger squads. They're capable of winning four games on the trot or taking 14 points from 15 and that would be hard work for us.

"We have a big, big month coming up. It'll be psychologically and physically demanding. Today was really difficult but we didn't expect it any other way.

"We have to keep Agbonlahor and Young fit and that might be asking a lot. But I wouldn't get too carried away with it."

BACK OF THE NET - Gabby Agbonlahor scores Villa's third

They were hardly the confident words of a man with a place in next season's Champions League beckoning.

But O'Neill added: "Listen, I am enjoying this. In fact I'm going to my nephew's wedding in Manchester tonight and I'll be boasting."

O'Neill might well toast his gifted duo, Agbonlahor and Young, as well as the happy couple.

The two England youngsters were irresistible - too fast, tricky and deadly for Bolton to cope with.

O'Neill has put Young in the world-class category and, yesterday, the winger and his Villa sidekick dragged their team back into it.

Villa had not won on their own patch in four League games and Bolton took the lead in the 17th minute when Johan Elmander flicked in Davies' cross.

It should have been 2-0 when Gretar Steinsson's header rattled the Villa bar six minutes later.

But the hosts were back in it on 25 minutes when Agbonlahor pounced on an Andy O'Brien error.

Davies' 40th-minute own goal, from Gareth Barry's corner, then gave Villa the lead - before Bolton defender Gary Cahill handled in the box only for ref Lee Probert to wave away Villa protests.

STRIKE - Gabriel Agbonlahor scores

O'Neill angrily threw his drinks bottle towards the dugout, too close to the fourth official for comfort.

He said: "It looked a penalty to me. But, to quote Shakespeare, all's well that ends well."

Agbonlahor bagged his second on 67 minutes when he drifted on to Young's cross and headed in.

And Villa were cruising when Young's deflected shot made it 4-1.

There was still time for Davies to score at the right end four minutes from time for a late consolation.

Trotters boss Gary Megson said: "It was a bad day at the office but, hopefully, it was one bad day."

Positive thinking from Megson. O'Neill should try it some time.

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