London  - Aston Villa continued their quest for a Champions League place as they beat local rivals West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Saturday to move into third place in the English Premier League.

Curtis Davies and an own goal by goalkeeper Scott Carson were enough to give Villa victory and move them above Manchester United and to within one point of second-placed Chelsea.

Davies headed the opening goal against his former side, getting on the end of Gareth Barry's cross after 19 minutes.

Villa dominated the first half and doubled their lead four minutes before the break when Gabriel Agbonlahor's shot was turned into his own net by Carson.

West Brom came out firing in the second half and James Morrison halved the deficit with a deflected strike on 49 minutes.

Villa cruised through most of the rest of the second half but West Brom might have had a penalty in time added on, only for referee Steve Bennett to wave away the appeals for what the visitors thought was a foul by Ashley Young.

Later on Saturday, leaders Liverpool could extend their lead to six points by winning at Stoke City. Manchester United and Chelsea play each other at Old Trafford on Sunday. (dpa)