Aston Villa return to winning ways in the Premier League | OneFootball

Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Premier League after a comfortable victory at home to West Ham United.

With Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea all dropping points, Aston Villa knew that a win would be important for their quest to finish in the top four.

That's exactly what happened against relegation-threatened West Ham at Villa Park with the home side taking the lead in the 15th minute following a freekick on the edge of the area that was rolled to John McGinn who sent in a curling effort beyond the reach of Mads Hermansen.

Villa thought they had a penalty with a half hour gone when Konstantinos Mavropanos brought down Ollie Watkins. However, after a VAR review Paul Tierney changed his mind.

Unai Emery's side had chances to double their lead before the break but had to wait until the 68th minute before making it 2-0. The home side broke well with Morgan Rogers having a shot from the edge of the area that Hermansen could only push away with Ollie Watkins finishing on the follow-up.

It was a performance and result that will be particularly concerning for Nuno Espírito Santo as he tries to save the Hammers from relegation.

However, for Villa it was their first Premier League win since February and one that keeps them firmly in the top four.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Aston Villa takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against West Ham United. John McGinn scores with a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, placing it perfectly into the left corner of the net. The assist comes from Jadon Sancho.

15':

GOAL Aston Villa: John McGinn (Aston Villa) scores!

John McGinn scores goal number 4 in the competition (24 matches)

20':

Missed opportunity! Amadou Onana from Aston Villa attempted a header from the center of the box, but it went just wide. The assist came from Jadon Sancho.

22':

Missed opportunity! Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area, but it went wide. The assist came from Morgan Rogers.

31':

Missed opportunity! Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa took a right-footed shot from inside the six-yard box on the left side, but it went just wide to the left after a corner kick.

45 +1':

Missed opportunity! Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa heads the ball from close range but sends it over the bar. The assist came from Lucas Digne, who delivered a cross following a corner.

51':

Missed opportunity. Matty Cash from Aston Villa takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it goes over the bar and to the right following a corner kick.

59':

Opportunity wasted. Amadou Onana from Aston Villa attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

Aston Villa leads 2-0 against West Ham United. Ollie Watkins scores with a right-footed shot from close range, finding the top right corner after a swift counterattack.

68':

GOAL Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) scores!

Ollie Watkins scores goal number 9 in the competition (30 matches)

90 +1':

Missed opportunity. Mohamadou Kanté of West Ham United attempted a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match