Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery’s side beat West Ham in the Premier League

Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning run at home to 11 Premier League games after thrashing West Ham 4-1 at Villa Park.

The win propels Villa back into the top five having collected 19 points after nine games, which is their highest tally at this point in a Premier League season for 25 years. Douglas Luiz netted either side of half-time before Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey scored after Jarrod Bowen’s strike deflected past Emi Martinez on the hour mark.

Villa started the stronger of the two sides in the first period as Moussa Diaby caused problems on the counter attack. He fed Watkins inside the box on one occasion, but the England international couldn’t convert past Alphonse Areola, missing the target from 10 yards.

Watkins’ chance came moments after Luiz went close to breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute. Areola denied Luiz when he clawed his strike from out of the top corner, but he couldn’t prevent the Brazilian later in the half. Watkins combined with Zaniolo before picking Luiz out at the edge of the box, before he drilled the ball past Areola to hand Villa a much-deserved advantage.

West Ham travelled to Villa Park in search of their third away win of the season, which would have ensured their joint-highest tally of 17 points after nine Premier League matches, having previously reached that mark in 2015 and 2021.

The Hammers shot themselves in the foot inside the first five minutes of the second period as Lucas Paqueta played a poor back pass to Edson Alvarez, which allowed Ezri Konsa to pounce, before being fouled by the Mexican midfielder inside the box. Luiz stepped up and slotted the ball down the middle of Areola’s goal.

Villa’s two-goal cushion didn’t last for long, as Bowen helped reduce the Hammers deficit. His strike from outside the box deflected off Torres and past Emi Martinez, who was rooted to the spot.

After weathering a storm from West Ham, Watkins restored Villa’s two-goal lead. John McGinn played an excellent ball in behind, to where the striker was allowed to run into the box and fire beyond Areola at his near post.

Youri Tielemans and Leon Bailey both came off the bench in the second half, and combined for Villa’s fourth. The Belgian midfielder found Bailey in the box, who turned and planted the ball into the far top corner.

Villa have now scored at least three goals in each of their opening four league matches of a season at Villa Park for the first time since 1920-21.

Emi Martinez

Could do nothing to prevent West Ham’s goal as the ball deflected off Torres and into the opposite corner to where Bowen’s strike was heading. 8

Matty Cash

Excellent down the right channel this afternoon. Played several accurate long balls to set Villa away on counter attacks too. 8

Ezri Konsa

Faultless at the back once again. He even won Villa’s penalty, which doubled their lead at a key point in the game. 9

Pau Torres

Had the unenviable task of dealing with Antonio’s pace and power on the break this afternoon, but Torres defended his threat well. 8

Lucas Digne

He’s put more crosses into the box than any other Premier League player this season. Digne was a constant threat down the left and really enjoyed himself in the final third. 8

Boubacar Kamara

Competed well in the middle of the park against a very physical West Ham side. Broke play up well throughout. Another top display. 8

Douglas Luiz

Areola denied Luiz in the 16th minute when he clawed his strike from out of the top corner, but he couldn’t prevent the Brazilian later in the half. That’s now six home league games Luiz has scored in. No Villa player has had a longer scoring record at home since Dwight Yorke’s run of eight in 1991. 9

Nicolo Zaniolo

Recalled to the XI in place of Diego Carlos despite assisting an Italian investigation into alleged illegal betting activity. He picked up some dangerous positions and was always looking to make an impact, but his final ball was lacking today. 7

John McGinn

Busy across the pitch today and came up with a quality pass to set Watkins away for Villa’s third. 8

Moussa Diaby

Created a number of opportunities in the game and stretched the West Ham backline. 8

Ollie Watkins

Should have put Villa ahead in the 16th minute, but missed the target from 10 yards out. He never sulks after missing a chance and was there when Villa needed him the most as West Ham piled on the pressure. What a finish it was. 9

SUBS

Leon Bailey (for Zaniolo ’75’): Produced a brilliant finish for Villa’s third. Bailey has made an impressive start to the campaign.

Youri Tielemans (for Diaby, ’85): Registered his first assist of the season by picking out Bailey inside the box.

Subs not used: Olsen, Carlos, Tielemans, Traore, Chambers, Lenglet, Dendoncker, Kellyman.