West Ham look to put an end to Aston Villa’s sensational home record as the two sides meet in the Premier League this afternoon. Unai Emery’s side have won their last 10 League matches at Villa Park, a run stretching back to February, and another victory here would move them to within just two points of the top of the table.
However, the Hammers have had a strong start to the season and will pass Villa if they can secure all three points. David Moyes’ team has put last season’s domestic difficulties behind them as they have only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool in the League thus far this season.
Both teams have midweek trips to Europe planned as the busy schedules resume after the international break: Villa to play AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League and West Ham to play Olympiacos in the Europa League. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below, featuring expert analysis from Malik Ouzia at the ground.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
Paqueta has already made three of the four beautiful films in twenty-five minutes to save himself. So, so good.
Otherwise, though, Villa has been playing pretty dominantly; they have dominated possession of the ball and forced the visitors to retreat.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
22 minutes: Villa takes consecutive corner kicks. They consistently win the opening header but are unable to establish a convincing opportunity. In the end, West Ham scrambles to win.
Emerson whips a great cross into the box at the other end, hacked away at the near post.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
Villa is now well ahead at 19 minutes.
Diaby positions himself to strike from a distance, and Bowen leaps out of the frame to block the shot. Superb block.
Malik Ouzia at Villa Park
In other news, I think Kurt Zouma has just tried to pass a goal-kick to Thilo Kehrer – who is on the bench today and out warming up on the touchline.
Malik Ouzia at Villa Park
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
16 mins: HUGE MISS.
Villa looked certain to open the scoring. Watkins can’t believe it.
Diaby fizzes the ball into the middle, first touch is perfect but Watkins drags the shot wide.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
14 minutes in: This match has started off with some great play from Bowen on the other end.
Throw-in from Coufal, Bowen lets it run across his body and fires a first-time effort at goal. sufficient comfort, save for Martinez.
Malik Ouzia at Villa Park
Heck of a save, that.
It draws a gasp from the home crowd and some grudging applause when the replay’s shown on the big screen.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
11 mins: Great save!
Luiz from distance, whips a strike towards the top corner and Areola does brilliantly to tip it behind.
Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham
9 mins: Twice West Ham have been caught offside already, but this time they do time the run and pass.
Paqueta over the top to Antonio, he gets in behind but the first touch isn’t good enough. He was onside.
