NINE. Nine. Nine. No, there’s definitely not an emergency. Not any more, anyway.

It’s just that the No.9 has a nice ring to it after Villa’s remarkable rise up to ninth in the Premier League, don’t you think?

Gerard Houllier’s claret and blue brigade will know not to get carried away with their lofty league position during this crazy season of topsy-turvy top-flight football.

And being outside of the bottom 11, albeit temporarily perhaps, is probably more important than being in the top nine right now during the congested end-of-season scramble for safety.

But, as Houllier observed on London Marathon weekend, it certainly makes Villa much more comfortable as they approach the home straight of the Premier League survival race.

Having resembled those charitable runners in fancy dress as they clunked their way around most of the course, it is only since Villa ditched their farcical disguise and revealed their true selves that they have found some much-needed momentum for the final push.

Well, not quite ditched their disguise. After Houllier’s insistence that it is no time for individual “Zorros” riding to the rescue, he had an entire team of heroes instead, as Villa collectively put the Hammers to the sword.

Darren Bent, Ashley Young, Gabby Agbonlahor, Brad Friedel and Co produced particularly swash-buckling responses.

Match officials might momentarily frustrate Bent by denying him seemingly legitimate goals – but defenders don’t stand a chance of stopping him.

Bent’s record transfer fee will look like even more of a bargain if his one-in-two goal ratio keeps Villa in the Premier League as seems increasingly likely.

Young again proved his worth as the creator supreme and, on Saturday’s evidence at least, appeared of more value to Villa than the £15 million-plus offers he will attract from Manchester United and Co.