Aston Villa secured a 2-1 win over West Ham Utd on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with goals from Amadou Onana and Jhon Duran.
Villa were excellent through the opening 35 minutes of the first half, as after taking an early lead through Onana’s header, we controlled the game and created clear-cut chances.
READ MORE: Potential loan exit touted for Villa ace as interest builds with solution needed
However, our inability to be clinical in front of goal almost cost us as Lucas Paqueta struck from the penalty spot to draw the Hammers level, and Unai Emery was forced to make multiple changes as we went in search of a winner after the break.
Fortunately it arrived in the latter stages, with Duran striking to seal the three points, and so it was the perfect start to the new campaign as we secured an impressive victory on the road.
Aston Villa player ratings vs West Ham:
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Didn’t have too much to do and was well beaten by the penalty. However, he did produce a crucial save in the second half to deny Ings, as he did brilliantly to hold on to his glancing header.
Matty Cash, 6.5 – Had his hands full with Kudus and did struggle at times to limit his threat down that side, but stuck to his task with determination and pushed forward to offer support in the attacking phase when possible too.
Ezri Konsa, 7.5 – Solid display as he was defensively switched on throughout which culminated in a match-winning block in the final moments to protect our lead. Looked composed and in control in possession too.
Pau Torres, 7.5 – Excellent from the Spaniard throughout as he did well in the defensive phase to nullify West Ham through the middle, but his ball carrying ability and passing range was crucial in helping us break the lines and attack with pace in transition.
Lucas Digne, 6.5 – Made an important intervention at the back post to deny West Ham a big chance, and he did well in both phases for the most part. We do still tend to look vulnerable in wide areas though, and Maatsen made a really positive impact after coming on to replace the Frenchman.
Amadou Onana, 8 – While it was a dream start to his debut as he headed home after just four minutes to give us the lead, he was a commanding and controlling presence in midfield as he not only kept us ticking over in possession, but he was a physical and athletic presence that we’ve been lacking in that battle to give us a foothold and disrupt the opposition. Excellent shift.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – Classy display from the Belgian international, as he worked well in tandem with Onana in the midfield pivot, helping us to dictate possession and tempo, while shifting the ball quickly into the feet of the likes of Rogers to add a rhythm and fluidity to our play.
Leon Bailey, 7.5 – Although he was lacking a decisive end product, Bailey caused the West Ham defence plenty of problems with his pace, directness and movement. Will be frustrated that he couldn’t get on the scoresheet as he spurned a big chance, but played a vital role in our win.
John McGinn, 7 – The Villa skipper played his part as he was an important presence for us on and off the ball. Retained possession well to help us link play together, while he worked tirelessly without the ball to apply pressure and force West Ham into mistakes. Went agonisingly close to doubling our lead in the first half too with an effort that went just wide as he got forward in support for Watkins well.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Relishing the freedom to roam in the final third, as he found pockets of space and drove at the West Ham defence with intent to create openings either for himself or others. Similarly to Bailey, he’ll be frustrated that he couldn’t have a more decisive and direct impact, but he was still a key piece in our ability to cause problems.
Ollie Watkins, 6 – A huge boost to see him start, but it certainly looked as though he hasn’t played a competitive game in a month. Worked hard and his application was spot on as it always is, but hasn’t quite got his sharpness or touch back yet, but this was a crucial shift to help him reach peak condition and form.
Substitutes:
Jacob Ramsey, 6.5 – Made a positive impact off the bench, as he provided the assist for Duran’s winner following a well-timed run into the box and a clever cut-back to find his Villa teammate.
Jhon Duran, 7.5 – A real livewire in the latter stages as he worked hard to give us a focal point up top while pressing the West Ham defence out of possession. It had to be him after all the talk earlier this summer, as he produced an excellent finish to secure the win for us.
Ian Maatsen, 6.5 – Positive late cameo appearance as he looked bright attacking down the left flank, and made a key contribution in the build-up to our winning goal.
Jaden Philogene, N/A
Kosta Nedeljkovic, N/A
