Premier League GW9 - Aston Villa vs West Ham

Aston Villa vs West Ham | Photo Credtis; Aston Villa Instagram

Aston Villa's Strong Start:

With 16 points after just eight games, Aston Villa has enjoyed an exceptional start to the year. Since the 2009–10 season, this was their greatest total at this point in the competition. If they win this match, they will move past Newcastle United and into fifth position in the standings. They have won their last 10 home Premier League games, which was particularly impressive given their Villa Park form.

West Ham's Ascent:

West Ham, who is now in tenth place in the league, was also on the rise this season. With a win in this game, they might move up to the top five. Notably, the Hammers had the advantage in their most recent matches with each team, going unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League encounters. Against the tenacious Aston Villa, manager David Moyes was determined to guide West Ham to another victory.

Starting Lineups:

Aston Villa (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
  

• Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Boubacar Kamara, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
  

• Midfielders: Matty Cash, Nicolo Zaniolo, Douglas Luiz, John McGinn
  

• Forwards: Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins
  

Substitutes: Calum Chambers, Bertrand Traore, Omari Kellyman, Robin Olsen, Leander Dendoncker, Diego Carlos, Youri Tielemans, Clement Lenglet, Leon Bailey.

West Ham (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
  

• Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, Emerson
  

• Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez
  

• Attacking Midfielders: Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta
  

• Striker: Michail Antonio
  

Substitutes: Konstantinos Mavropanos, Angelo Ogbonna, Mohammed Kudus, Divin Mubama, Danny Ings, Said Benrahma, Thilo Kehrer, Pablo Fornals, Lukasz Fabianski.

The Game Unfolds:

At Villa Park, the two sides entered the pitch prepared for a crucial Premier League match.

First Half - Douglas Luiz Opens Scoring:

The game officially began with the first whistle, and both teams were anxious to take advantage of the occasion. Aston Villa dominated the majority of the first half and scored thanks to a critical assist from Ollie Watkins to Douglas Luiz. The midfielder displayed excellent control by putting the ball in the goal.

Half-Time Score:

Aston Villa's dominant performance was rewarded with a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

Second Half - Aston Villa Extends Lead:

Aston Villa maintained their control as the second half got underway. Following a foul by Edson Alvarez on Ezri Konsa, they were given a penalty. The spot-kick was comfortably converted by Douglas Luiz, increasing their lead to 2-0.

West Ham launched a determined recovery in response, and Jarrod Bowen scored with a strong effort from outside the area. The deficit was reduced to 2-1 when the ball was deflected off of Lucas Digne and past the custodian for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa's resiliency, however, was evident as Ollie Watkins restored their two-goal lead at 3-1 with a thundering strike into the goal following a superb feed from John McGinn.

Full-Time:

Aston Villa defeated West Ham convincingly 4-1 to win the game, giving them their first victory against the Hammers since the 2014–15 campaign. Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Douglas Luiz scored goals for Villa, and Jarrod Bowen scored a goal for West Ham.

In conclusion, Villa Park witnessed a thrilling match, with Aston Villa coming out on top with a decisive 4-1 victory. They were only two points behind league leaders Manchester City after their victory, which moved them up to fifth place in the standings. West Ham, on the other hand, stayed in ninth place following the loss.

Both teams are scheduled to play in Europe the next week, with West Ham playing Olympiacos in the Europa League and Villa travelling to play AZ in the Europa Conference League.