Lucas Paqueta had an early chance with a long range shot that went narrowly wide. However he made no mistake on 9 minutes with a finish from 12 yards from a cross via Crysencio Summerville.
Mohammed Kudus also tested Olsen in goal for Villa with a twenty yard shot on the half hour mark. Aston Villa were celebrating their 150 year anniversary playing in a one off black replica kit, and were in no mood for the Hammers to spoil their celebrations.
A weakened West Ham team took to the pitch for the second half, as Summerville had picked up an injury, while Fullkrug, making a rare start went off hobbling with a hamstring injury, which looks set to prevent him leaving the club during the current transfer window. Potter now faces a mini-injury crisis with Emerson, Antonio, Bowen and Todibo already on the injury list.
A contested corner in the second half led to Villa’s equaliser, when Maatsens low strike wasn’t held by Fabianski for Onana to prod home from close range on 71 minutes. Shortly after, Watkins delivered a ball for Rogers to score from five yards out. Ramsay also hit the woodwork from twenty yards out.
Danny Ings, West Ham’s only fit striker, had two late chances – he miskicked one and sent the other soaring into the stands. Roy Keane commenting for ITV, later suggested that Ings may have lacked confidence and rushed his efforts.
A bright spot was the performance of nineteen old academy prospect, Ollie Scarles who was named man of the match, despite the defeat. He played a key role in many of the team’s set pieces, and put in a solid display. Both teams meet again in two week’s time, and Graham Potter will hope to have more players available by then. In the meantime, West Ham face two crucial league matches against Fulham and Crystal Palace at the London stadium.
With a small squad there will be greater emphasis on transfers. With the re-emergence of David Moyes at Everton, West Ham are bracing themselves for offers for Soucek and Coufal, both of whom were highly rated by their former manager.
