BirminghamLive bring you the talking points from Aston Villa's 2-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League
John McGinn scored Aston Villa's first against West Ham
John McGinn scored Aston Villa's first against West Ham
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Aston Villa have enjoyed a perfect week to push back against the negativity that had been building among the fanbase following a difficult run of form.
After winning 11 games in a row in all competitions, Villa managed just three victories in their next 12 league matches. However, they responded well to losing three on the bounce in the league on Sunday afternoon with a 2–0 win over West Ham at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s record of never losing four consecutive league games under threat was under threat, but his side produced their most complete performance for nearly two months against the relegation-threatened Hammers.
John McGinn opened the scoring with his second goal in the space of four days, setting Villa on their way to a first home league win in over a month. Ollie Watkins then doubled the lead in front of the Holte End in the 68th minute, sealing a much-needed victory.
Here are the talking points…
John McGinn the catalyst for recovery ... again
Back in the summer window, Villa were quick to turn down approaches - and formal offers - for their captain, McGinn.
Perhaps Everton boss David Moyes believed he could prise his compatriot away from Villa Park, but that was never going to happen under Emery’s watch.
McGinn himself remained fully committed to the club’s ambitions: returning Villa to Europe’s elite competition and, of course, ending the long wait for silverware.
His influence and importance have arguably never been more evident than this season. In his absence, Villa lacked leadership and energy, so it is no coincidence that his return has coincided with an upturn in form, with three wins in the last four matches.
Granted, the defeat to Manchester United was a difficult afternoon, but they are currently one of the division’s form sides. Aside from that, McGinn has been central to Villa’s resurgence heading into the break.
Earlier in the campaign, it was McGinn who stepped up when Villa needed it most, scoring the only goal in a crucial win over Bologna - their first victory of the season. He followed that up with goals in consecutive wins against Fulham and Feyenoord, dragging the team out of a difficult spell.
McGinn has now registered four goals and three assists in all competitions this season, with more surely to come. Given the context of Villa’s campaign, his contributions could prove to be among the most important of the season.
Watkins plays with a point to prove
It hasn’t been the season Watkins would have expected.
Yet a strong finish could still see him achieve much of what he set out to - a return to the Champions League, a push for silverware, and a place on the plane for the World Cup.
On Sunday afternoon, we saw just how important his profile is within Emery’s system. It was no coincidence that Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit him from the latest England squad came just days before Watkins delivered one of his most complete performances of the campaign.
He has scored braces against Brighton and Chelsea this season, but in terms of all-round contribution, his display against West Ham may well have been his best.
Were it not for an impressive showing from Konstantinos Mavropanos at the heart of the Hammers’ defence, Watkins could easily have added to his tally. His goal, however, effectively put the game beyond Nuno’s side just after the hour mark.
“He is a fighter. He is always doing his tasks and doing his tasks I am always delighted with him,” Emery told BBC Match of the Day post-match.
“Then it's numbers. Today he scored but he must be consistent in his mentality to do his tasks and get his numbers. To be in the national team it is something every player wants but he must continue working and give the coach trouble [selecting] for the next World Cup.”
Champions League picture
“Massive for us, especially with it being the last game before the international break, and with the teams around us playing before us and dropping points,” Watkins admitted after the victory.
Chelsea didn’t just drop points against Everton - they were convincingly beaten, with the Toffees recording their biggest win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s struggles continued as they fell to a 2–1 defeat at Brighton.
United, despite drawing away at Bournemouth this weekend, remain in a stronger position than Villa in the race for a top five finish.
When domestic football resumes after the March international break, Villa will have seven games remaining. Realistically, four wins should be enough to secure a return to the Champions League.
Even if Chelsea were to win five of their final seven matches - an excellent run by any standard - they would reach 63 points. For Villa to surpass that total, they would need just 10 points from a possible 21: three wins and a draw.
Villa’s next five league fixtures - Nottingham Forest (A), Sunderland (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (H), and Burnley (A) - present a crucial opportunity. Taking at least 10 points from that run would put them in a commanding position before finishing the season against Liverpool (H) and Manchester City (A).
Liverpool, currently just one point ahead of Chelsea on 49, would reach 64 points if they also won five of their final seven matches. Their run-in includes Fulham (H), Everton (A), Crystal Palace (H), United (A), Chelsea (H), Villa (A), and Brentford (H).
Chelsea, meanwhile, face a difficult run of matches too: Manchester City (H), United (H), Brighton (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Liverpool (A), Tottenham (H), and Sunderland (A).
Claret & Blue verdict
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