Brown will be glad to have the buffer of an early-season points haul [GALLO/GETTY]

Phil Brown’s promoted side have their incredible early-season form to thank for keeping them in a lofty position in the table, remaining eighth despite just one win in their last 11 matches.

Kamil Zayatte's own goal two minutes from time lifted Villa to fourth place in the League as Martin O'Neill's side look to break the Big Four's stranglehold on European Champions League places.

Villa's Zayatte party

Guinea defender Zayatte spectacularly volleyed an Ashley Young cross past his own keeper Boaz Myhill to hand Villa a win that sees them end the year in the spots for Europe's top table.

Villa are unbeaten in seven league matches, having fought back to draw 2-2 last Friday at home to an Arsenal side who have slipped back to fifth spot on 35 points.

Neither side managed to create a clear chance for most of the match on Tuesday with Hull's defence, which had conceded nine goals in their previous two matches, nullifying Villa's pacy attack.

But the game sprang to life in the dying minutes with Zayatte's own goal followed by a penalty claim from Hull for a handball by Ashley Young on the line, although television replays showed that the ball had cleanly hit the bar.

Referee Steve Bennett initially gave the penalty only to change his mind after consulting his linesman.

'Delighted'

"I'm absolutely delighted the right decision has been made and pleased that we have won, because we did not play well tonight," Villa manager Martin O'Neill told Sky Sports.

Hull manager Phil Brown said: "The referee got it wrong because he gave the penalty. For some reason his mind has been changed".

Villa are level on 38 points with third-placed Manchester United, who have two games in hand, and are seven adrift of leaders Liverpool with Chelsea in second place on 42.

Hull have won just once in their last 11 league games and remain eighth on 27 points, one point behind Wigan Athletic.

Villa host strugglers West Bromwich Albion in a Birmingham derby on Saturday when Hull travel to sixth-placed Everton.

Bad news for Carew

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carew's back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought, his agent told Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Tuesday.

Carew, who last played on November 22, said last month that he would be sidelined for four to five weeks.

"It is hard to say when John will be back. Maybe in February, maybe in March or later," Per Flod said.

"This is an injury that will take time. It is important that John is completely healed."