West Ham United’s Premier League campaign got off to a poor start as the Hammers lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa, with Füllkrug’s debut a failure – as a former team-mate, of all people, headed in the winner
After an eventful summer, West Ham fans were eagerly awaiting the start of the Premier League. New coach Julen Lopetegui had some tough decisions to make, with summer signings Füllkrug, Summerville, Wan-Bissaka and Todibo only on the bench for the time being. Instead of Füllkrug, Antonio started in the center of attack.
At the other end of the pitch, Unai Emery only brought in one new summer signing. And his most expensive signing did not disappoint: ex-Hamburger Onana, who arrived from Everton FC for an estimated €60 million, headed in a powerful header to make it 1-0 after just four minutes on his competitive debut for Villa.
The visitors were much better in the game from the start, with Hammers goalkeeper Areola repeatedly having to come to the rescue. The Frenchman was already beaten in the 22nd minute, but Bailey’s shot from an acute angle on the orphaned goal hit the far right post.
Ten minutes later, McGinn also missed the next high-caliber chance. And so it came as it had to: Cash unfortunately fell into Soucek’s leg in the penalty area and Lucas Paqueta converted the resulting spot-kick with ice-cold precision for a flattering equalizer (37′).
Duran scores at the second attempt
After the break, it was a much more open exchange of blows, with West Ham investing more in their attacking play. However, Villa still had the better chances. Joker Duran missed the best one in the 67th minute.
Then the time had come: Füllkrug – who finished with just six touches – was welcomed back to the Premier League to great applause, and Lopetegui also brought on Summerville, who was to have a much greater impact. However, the protagonists became others in the final spurt: Pau played a great opening ball in the 79th minute, which three Jokers finished off. Ex-Dortmund man Maatsen passed perfectly on the volley to Ramsey, who made contact with Duran, who took his second chance to make it 2:1, which he deserved.
West Ham were unable to find an answer – not even Soucek from around three meters (90.+7). It remained an away win for Villa, who will be challenged again on Saturday evening on matchday two. Arsenal are the guests at Villa Park at 6.30pm. A few hours earlier (4pm), West Ham will be looking to do better at Crystal Palace.
