Agbonlahor netted twice in the 4-2 home win over Bolton to take his goal tally in all competitions to 10 for the season.

The young striker also laid on the fourth goal for Ashley Young, who, along with his England colleague, constantly tormented the Bolton defence.

Villa registered only their second home league win since September but it was enough to move them above Arsenal, who could only draw at Middlesbrough in the lunchtime game.

Bolton, who had won their previous three away games, gained an early lead but were overwhelmed once Agbonlahor had scored a stunning equaliser.

O'Neill said: "Gabby was exceptional today. I thought he was terrific last week against Everton as well even though he didn't score.

"But he got his rewards today and I thought his performance was absolutely sensational - and his first goal was a vital part of the game.

"We were finding it difficult after Bolton had scored, which was the last thing we had wanted. They looked quite comfortable at that stage but Gabby's goal was a terrific effort. We needed a piece of magic to equalise and after that I felt we took charge of the game."

Young again showed he is a handful for most defences after being compared by O'Neill before the game with Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Villa boss said: "Ashley is world class because he keeps winning matches for us. He was terrific again today - and the good thing is there is still more to come from him."

O'Neill continues to play down Villa's hopes of a Champions League spot but admits they are now entering a crucial part of the season.

He said: "We will win the league! I am only joking. But the number of points - 31 - we have accumulated already is very important.

"We have now got to press forward and psychologically and physically it is a demanding month."

Bolton boss Gary Megson was unhappy with his side's performance and, in particular, their level of defending.

He said: "We scored first, missed a great chance to make it 2-0, but if you concede four and play like we did then you are going to have problems.

"They finished their chances, we didn't, but we didn't play well enough today. We went into the game with one of the best defensive records in the Premier League but some of the goals we conceded were remarkably poor.

"It was a bad day at the office but we have now got to pick ourselves up for the next game as quickly as possible."