Friedel, 37, again proved himself to be one of the signings of the season by keeping out Craig Bellamy, Carlton Cole and Calum Davenport with his best saves at Upton Park.

O'Neill, who bought Friedel for £2million from Blackburn in the summer, said after the 1-0 win: "He was really class. He's come up big for us.

"I was comparing that to Peter Schmeichel being sensational for Manchester United and I played with two unbelievable keepers - Pat Jennings and Peter Shilton.

"Friedel has not played all those games for Blackburn and us not to be considered as good as anyone else. Today he was outstanding and it would have been something special to have beaten him."

Friedel kept the visitors level with his saves, then James Milner helped produce a winner when his cross 12 minutes from full-time deflected in off Lucas Neill.

O'Neill felt it was what Milner deserved after playing against Bolton and Everton despite being ill.

"You get your rewards somewhere along the way," O'Neill said. "He has a big, big heart, a lot of ability and he will also improve."

O'Neill's side overtook Manchester United in the table but he is still playing down talk about reaching the Champions League.

"We didn't play half as well as we did against Arsenal but I'm delighted that we won," he added.

"I believe the top four can go on sustained runs and we still have to learn that art.

"We're doing fine but a run like that - six or seven wins - would be exceptionally hard work for us, and that would be the difference."

O'Neill's side have now been playing since July as they qualified for the UEFA Cup through the Intertoto Cup.

"We looked a bit tired in the second half, so overall I was pleased to have won it," he said.

"Two seasons ago we would have been beaten at this stage of the season against this opposition. There is a great determination among the players."

West Ham, meanwhile, have not won at home in three months and are hovering above the relegation zone.

Manager Gianfranco Zola was pleased with the performance, though.

"It's very hard," he said. "It's difficult to leave the pitch with nothing when you play like that.

"We had so many chances against a team fourth in the table. We are one place away from the relegation zone but that didn't show on the pitch.

"I'm upset and frustrated for my players because they deserve more.

"It won't carry on like this. That would be impossible.

"I'm not going to give up on this, we have to be strong and make our own luck. If we play like that it will not go on forever."