It was a performance that showed renewed confidence and belief as Villa played with tempo, intensity, rhythm and cohesion to look a real threat going forward, while we did well defensively in a balanced display to limit West Ham’s chances.
Particularly after our win in midweek and with others around us in the Premier League table faltering this weekend, this is a significant win to boost our Champions League qualification hopes.
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There was also the added bonus of welcoming Youri Tielemans back from injury in the second half, and so Villa now head into the international break with momentum after coming through our slump in form over the past couple of months with impressive back-to-back wins.
It’s a trip to Bologna next in the Europa League on April 9 before we travel to Nottingham Forest three days later, and so it’s hoped that we’re able to pick up from where we left off on the other side of the break.
### Aston Villa player ratings vs West Ham United
**Emiliano Martinez, 7 –** Didn’t have too much to do given the strong defensive display in front of him, but he was alert to danger in the box and commanded his area well throughout.
**Matty Cash, 7.5 –** Caught out early on but was diligent defensively from that point on and pushed forward to give us a threat down the right side when possible too, albeit he lacked an end product.
**Ezri Konsa, 7.5 –** Composed and in control in his defensive actions to keep things tight at the back and limit West Ham’s threat through the middle.
**Pau Torres, 7.5 –** Seems to work so well alongside Konsa, as the pair were strong defensively throughout and combined well to help us build out from the back effectively.
**Lucas Digne, 7.5 –** Made some crucial defensive interventions in a strong display in that phase of the game. Got into good positions further up the pitch but couldn’t quite get his cross right to pick out a teammate to convert.
**Amadou Onana, 7.5 –** Another important display as his physical presence and defensive protection was critical in giving us a solid base on which we could build. Won back possession consistently and helped us move up the pitch with the ball effectively too.
**Ross Barkley, 7.5 –** Really impressive shift as he is now starting to build some momentum and consistency. Looks very comfortable in our system and way of playing, and justified why Emery rates him so highly as he can play passes through the lines with tempo and break forward from deep.
**Jadon Sancho, 7 –** Looked dangerous at times as he linked up well with teammates to create openings. Couldn’t quite find the end product in this one but another positive effort.
**Morgan Rogers, 7 –** His driving run and effort on goal led to our second as we made the game safe. Similarly to Sancho, provided a threat at times with his direct play and clever link-up work as we looked much improved in the attacking phase.
**John McGinn, 8 –** It really is wonderful to see our skipper back. Aside from putting in another important shift for the team in and out of possession, his superb curling effort broke the deadlock as he continues to play a decisive role since returning from injury.
**Ollie Watkins, 8 –** Much, much better from the Villa talisman this weekend. His movement and link-up play was more effective as he looked a threat and helped us play with more quality up front, and his instincts to follow up and tap home our second was a deserved reward.
### Substitutes:
**Youri Tielemans, 6.5 –** What a delight to see him return from injury. Looked calm and composed in possession as he got valuable minutes to start building up his match fitness and sharpness again.
**Leon Bailey, 6 –** Gave us fresh legs and an outlet in the latter stages to continue to push for more goals while seeing the game out.
**Douglas Luiz, 6 –** Added energy and composure to keep us in control in midfield and get over the line comfortably to seal all three points.
**Emiliano Buendia, N/A**
**Tammy Abraham, N/A**