Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning run at home to 11 Premier League games after thrashing West Ham 4-1 at Villa Park.
The win propels Villa back into the top five having collected 19 points after nine games, which is their highest tally at this point in a Premier League season for 25 years. Douglas Luiz netted either side of half-time before Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey scored after Jarrod Bowen’s strike deflected past Emi Martinez on the hour mark.
Aston villa Player ratings
Emi Martinez
Could do nothing to prevent West Ham’s goal as the ball deflected off Torres and into the opposite corner to where Bowen’s strike was heading. 8
Matty Cash
Excellent down the right channel this afternoon. Played several accurate long balls to set Villa away on counter attacks too. 8
Ezri Konsa
Faultless at the back once again. He even won Villa’s penalty, which doubled their lead at a key point in the game. 9
Pau Torres
Had the unenviable task of dealing with Antonio’s pace and power on the break this afternoon, but Torres defended his threat well. 8
Lucas Digne
He’s put more crosses into the box than any other Premier League player this season. Digne was a constant threat down the left and really enjoyed himself in the final third. 8
Boubacar Kamara
Competed well in the middle of the park against a very physical West Ham side. Broke play up well throughout. Another top display. 8
Douglas Luiz
Areola denied Luiz in the 16th minute when he clawed his strike from out of the top corner, but he couldn’t prevent the Brazilian later in the half. That’s now six home league games Luiz has scored in. No Villa player has had a longer scoring record at home since Dwight Yorke’s run of eight in 1991. 9
Nicolo Zaniolo
Recalled to the XI in place of Diego Carlos despite assisting an Italian investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. He picked up some dangerous positions and was always looking to make an impact, but his final ball was lacking today. 7
John McGinn
Busy across the pitch today and came up with a quality pass to set Watkins away for Villa’s third. 8
Moussa Diaby
Created a number of opportunities in the game and stretched the West Ham backline. 8
Ollie Watkins
Should have put Villa ahead in the 16th minute, but missed the target from 10 yards out. He never sulks after missing a chance and was there when Villa needed him the most as West Ham piled on the pressure. What a finish it was. 9
SUBS
Leon Bailey (for Zaniolo ’75’): Produced a brilliant finish for Villa’s third. Bailey has made an impressive start to the campaign.
Youri Tielemans (for Diaby, ’85): Registered his first assist of the season by picking out Bailey inside the box.
Subs not used: Olsen, Carlos, Tielemans, Traore, Chambers, Lenglet, Dendoncker, Kellyman.
GOALS
Luiz (30’, 51’), Watkins (74’), Bailey (85′)
