West Ham hold Villa to dent hopes for Champions League qualification

Aston Villa's hopes of Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season were dented as an under-strength West Ham battled back to earn a point in Birmingham.

Jacob Ramsey's strike was just a reward for a fast start by Unai Emery's side. But they failed to add to their advantage as Morgan Rogers had a second ruled out for offside.

Graham Potter was forced to name four full-backs in his starting line-up for the injury-hit Hammers, who were without captain Jarrod Bowen. However, the visitors rallied in the second half and were unfortunate not to take all three points after Emerson Palmieri's header levelled.

Lucas Paqueta thought he had won the game with a goal in stoppage time, but it was ruled out by VAR as Tomas Soucek had strayed offside before teeing up the Brazilian to quell Potter's jubilant celebration on the touchline. Villa remain in eighth, four points off the top four, while West Ham edge up to 13th.

 

January 26, 2025