Aston Villa three-game winning streak came to an end at the London Stadium after losing 2-1 to West Ham United.
Ukrainian international Andriy Yarmolenko opened the scoring with a smart finish on 70 minutes, and Pablo Fornals doubled the Hammers’ lead; finishing an excellent counter-attack from the hosts.
On 90 minutes Jacob Ramsey gave Villa late hope, slotting home from the edge of the area following a terrific assist from subsitute Emi Buendia.
Despite the push Villa failed to find the equaliser.
STARTING LINE-UP
Formation 4-3-2-1
Emi Martinez – 7
Rating contribution from Ivan McDouall
After a quiet three games, Emi Martinez had a much busier afternoon. Emi’s first taste of the action was on 5 minutes, being forced into the first save of the match, albeit a relatively comfortable one.
Continued to look dependable as ever although was maybe fortunate Soucek’s header was blocked midway through the first half.
BExcellent save from Zouma on the hour to keep Villa in the game at that point. Largely blameless for both goals.
Matty Cash – 5
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
Matty Cash’s recent red-hot form was extinguished today. Struggled against the tricky Benrahma throughout while his attacking threat was blunted by the tight Hammers rearguard.
Calum Chambers – 6
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Preferred again over Konsa but i expect that to change against Arsenal. Just not at the races today despite a comfortable first half.
Needed to get tighter for the goal. Can’t give a player so much space, not taking nothing off such a good finish though.
Tyrone Mings – 6
Rating contribution from Liam Davies
The captain won’t look back on his 29th birthday too fondly with the result in mind, but he can be relatively happy with his display.
The No.5 won a large part of his duels in the air up against the physical Michail Antonio, and often looked to progress the play on the floor.
Both him and centre-back partner Calum Chambers could have done more to close down goalscorer Andriy Yarmolenko, but take nothing away from the Ukrainian’s fine strike.
Mings and Co will look to get back to winning ways and earn another clean sheet in the next game against Mikel Arteta’s well orchestrated Arsenal.
Lucas Digne – N/A
Rating contribution from Ivan McDouall
Too little time to make any impact on the game. Hopefully not too serious a hamstring injury but would probably expect him to miss next game
Douglas Luiz – 5.5
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Looked very good until he caught a high boot and probably should’ve come off following it as he just wasn’t the same.
Poor set pieces just added to a miserable day for him.
John McGinn – 6
Rating contribution from Liam Davies
the Scotsman demonstrated his incredible engine and relentless running once again with an energetic performance at the heart of the team.
Villa’s No. 7 made a number of recovery challenges and put himself about with several tackles and efforts on goal, but ultimately failed to produce a moment of magic that could help his side back into the game.
*Jacob Ramsey – 7
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
An improved performance from the youngster, many had suggested a rest for Ramsey after a couple of lacklustre performances but he was back to his industrial self.
Grabbed his 6th goal of the season after slotting home on the edge of the area following good work from Emi Buendia.
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Danny Ings – 6
Rating contribution from Ryan Mckeown
Came so close to opening the scoring early in the second half; Fabianski superbly tipping Ings’ effort onto the post.
Almost dropped Villa in the mud with a poor clearance straight to Cresswell who whipped a great ball into Soucek who guided his header just wide.
Worked tirelessly before being withdrawn for Bailey.
Phillipe Coutinho – 5.5
Rating contribution from Gary Plaza
Started very well and looked to be the driving force in midfield. Unlucky with a smart backheel but that was it for him.
Looked tired and laboured before the first half was over and for me it was poor game management from Gerrard to play him for the 90.
Really disappointing today overall but he will be back.
Ollie Watkins – 5
Rating contribution from Liam Davies
A dismal day for the Villa striker, who was no match up against the defensive Giants Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma.
Villa’s top scorer was physically outwitted in the air all afternoon, beaten in his duels and also struggled to get play going on the deck too.
His match highlight was a deflected shot just past the hour mark, but the 26 year-old will be licking his lips ahead of next weekend’s fixture against Arsenal, given his fine goal-scoring record against the Gunners.
Substitutions
Ashley Young – 6
on for Digne (8th minute) – possibly a victim of a poor overall second half generally for Villa and a seeming desire to sit back. Initially looked bright and brings a calm experience to the team. First touch was nice looping header for Watkins chance.
West Ham second was a fast break but should we be expecting him to look a little less out of position? Dependable and valuable squad member but you’d hope Digne won’t miss too much time and force him to be regular starter. Ivan McDouall
Leon Bailey – 6
on for Ings (69 minute) – could of done more in early stages of West Ham’s second goal but his cameo role was encouraging. Ryan Mckeown
Emi Buendia – 7
on for Douglas Luiz (78th minute) – showed what we needed today, always offers something else. Unlucky not to score with Fabianski making a wonderful save.
Brilliant assist to set up Ramsey for the goal. Will be pushing for a start on Saturday. Gary Plaza
Subs not used: Robin Olsen, Ezri Konsa, Morgan Sanson, Bertrand Traore, Carney Chukwuemeka, Tim Iroegbunam
Goals
West Ham | Yarmolenko (70), Fornals (82).
Aston Villa | Ramsey (90)
Opposition
West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Johnson, Dawson, Zouma, Cresswell (Fredericks, 56); Rice, Soucek; Benrahma (Diop, 87), Lanzini, Fornals; Antonio (Yarmolenko, 51)
Subs not used: Areola, Noble, Masuaku, Kral, Oko-Flex, Perkins.
THE BOSS
ASTON VILLA PLAYER REACTION
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Arsenal (H) | Saturday 19th March 2022 | 12:30
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