Aston Villa vs West Ham: A solid package of entertainment this Sunday

The Hammers have had a solid beginning to the season, sitting at ninth place, with the chance to climb to fifth with a win in their upcoming game. They've dominated this matchup in recent times, maintaining an undefeated streak in their last 10 Premier League encounters. David Moyes and his team will aim to continue this success against Villa in their next meeting.

The home team has gathered 16 points from eight Premier League matches this season, their best performance at this stage since the 2009-10 season. A win or draw in this game will propel them past Newcastle United into fifth place. They've been exceptionally strong on their home turf, clinching victory in their last 10 Premier League matches at Villa Park.

Let’s take a look at today’s match important highlights:

First-half begins!!!

In the 1^st minute, Martinez pulls off an impressive save to prevent Bowen from scoring, but it turns out Bowen was offside, as indicated by the delayed raising of the flag. The goal wouldn’t have counted even if it had gone in.

In the 10^th minute, so far, neither team has managed to create a truly clear-cut scoring opportunity.

In the 12^th minute, a great save! Douglas Luiz sends a beautiful curling shot from distance, and it looks like it's headed straight into the top corner. But Areola makes an incredible acrobatic save, stretching fully to tip the ball wide. That was the closest call we've had from either team so far.

In the 16^th minute, what a miss! After a smooth sequence of play, Diaby finds Watkins in a prime position. Watkins takes a touch and goes for the goal. It seems like he can't possibly miss, but incredibly, he sends the ball past the left post and wide of the net. The visiting team can breathe a sigh of relief after that close call!

We're 25 minutes into the game at Villa Park. The home team has been dominating, but they haven't been able to break through the Hammers' solid defense just yet.

In the 30^th minute, it’s a goal! Douglas Luiz puts Villa in the lead! The home team has been dominating, and now they've got their reward. Watkins keeps a cool head to lay the ball off to Douglas Luiz, who smashes it first time. Areola dives to his right in an attempt to make the save, but the sheer force of the shot carries it into the net. Villa is now up 1-0!

In the 40^th minute, Alvarez hits a powerful shot that strikes Konsa's arm, just inches outside the penalty box. Villa can consider themselves lucky on that occasion. Ward-Prowse is now getting ready to take the free-kick.

In the 43^rd minute, Antonio fires a shot from a tight angle, but it crashes into the side netting. The Hammers have been showing some promise lately, but they still find themselves trailing by a goal.

Another two minutes added to the game!

Half-time at Villa Park: Aston Villa leads West Ham 1-0.

Second-half begins

In the 48^th minute, Douglas Luiz's goal in the first half marked his 15th in the Premier League, moving him to 15th place on the list of Brazilian players with the most goals in the competition. This places him ahead of notable players such as Robinho, Elano, Geovanni, and David Luiz, who each have 14 Premier League goals.

In the 50^th minute, A penalty has been awarded to Aston Villa! Paqueta makes a costly mistake, losing possession in a dangerous area. Konsa pounces on the opportunity, driving towards the byline. In an attempt to win the ball back, Alvarez ends up bringing down Konsa. The referee takes a moment to assess the situation before deciding to award the penalty.

In the 51^st minute, it’s a goal! Douglas Luiz confidently steps up to the penalty spot and rifles the ball straight down the middle, securing his second goal of the match. Aston Villa now lead 2-0, putting West Ham in a precarious position with a steep hill to climb if they hope to make a comeback.

In the 54^th minute, Emerson receives a yellow card for his cynical foul on Cash, marking his fifth booking of the season. Consequently, he will be suspended for next weekend's match against Everton.

In the 56^th minute, it’s a goal!!! West Ham reduces the deficit as Bowen's left-footed strike from outside the box takes a significant deflection off Digne. The deflection wrongfoots Martinez, and the ball finds its way into the bottom corner. Aston Villa's lead is cut to 2-1!

In the 64^th minute, Cash makes a crucial defensive play, heading Aguerd's spectacular volley over the bar to concede a corner and prevent a goal.

In the 74^th minute, it’s a goal!!! Aston Villa extends their lead to 3-1 as Watkins finds the back of the net! McGinn delivers a perfect lofted through ball to Watkins, who uses a couple of stepovers to create space and unleashes a powerful strike. Areola has no chance as the ball rockets into the net, potentially sealing the game for Villa!

In the 80^th minute, Antonio unleashes a powerful shot that forces Martinez to make a save, as West Ham continue their efforts to close the gap on the scoreline.

In the 86^th minute, Substitution for Youri Marion A. Tielemans who comes on to replace Moussa Diaby.

In the 89^th minute, it’s a gpa;!!! Leon Bailey, who just came off the bench, makes an instant impact by confidently getting past Aguerd with some skillful footwork. After creating the space, he fires the ball past Areola, extending Villa's lead to 4-1. With this goal, Villa has likely secured all three points.

In the 90^th minute, Michail Antonio makes way for Pablo Fornals as West Ham make a substitution in an attempt to change the dynamics of the game.

Seven minutes added to the game.

In the 93^rd minute, Kudus takes a shot from a tough angle, but it's comfortably gathered by Martinez, who makes the save look easy.

And, the final whistle blows at Villa Park, and it's a comprehensive victory for Aston Villa, who beat West Ham with a scoreline of 4-1. It was an interesting game and we saw some of the great fights ever in the history of football. Stay tuned for more!