Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Aston Villa vs West Ham LIVE!

West Ham United opened their Premier League goals and points account for the season as a deflected effort by Pablo Fornals sealed a 1-0 victory at Aston Villa.

The Spaniard took aim from outside the box in the 74th minute and his effort looped in after hitting Villa’s Ezri Konsa, leaving Emi Martinez in goal no chance. It was reward for an improved second-half performance by West Ham who offered little before the break.

Villa were hardly much better in a turgid first half although they did have the ball in the net early on when Konsa got on the end of a Lucas Digne corner but the ball had gone out of play. The victory lifts West Ham off the foot of the table into 17th place with three points, the same as Villa, and gives David Moyes’ side a much-needed boost ahead of matches against Tottenham and Chelsea.

Aston Villa vs West Ham updates

• GOAL! Fornals with deflected strike

• NO GOAL! Konsa finish ruled out

• Aston Villa team news: Ings partners Watkins

• West Ham team news: Scamacca and Emerson start

Aston Villa FC 0 - 1 West Ham United FC

Ugly win for Hammers

16:31 , Matt Verri

There was a touch of the bittersweet for David Moyes about West Ham’s progress in Europe in midweek, the Scot delighted to be taking the club on tour again, but admitting he already has concerns about the Thursday-Sunday schedule the Irons will once again make their default in the coming months.

On this showing, it is not difficult to see why. Less than 72 hours on from securing Europa Conference League qualification in Viborg, for 74 unremarkable minutes, his side looked to be spluttering their way to a first Premier League point of the season in what had been, to that point, a real pig of a football match.

But then Pablo Fornals found space to shoot, found a helpful deflection and found the back of the net - and on such fortuitous moments can a season ignite. At full-time, Declan Rice sank to his knees and beat the turf, as much in relief as anything.

Read Malik Ouzia’s full analysis

Player ratings

16:04 , Matt Verri

Pablo Fornal 7

Has had a fine start to the season. Ineffectual in first-half, then better when moved out wide at half-time. Blew a couple of good openings in transition but got crucial winner.

Jarrod Bowen 4

Looks a yard off it at the start of the season. Wasted West Ham’s best chance with hesitancy when sent clear.

Read the full ratings here!

FT: Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham

15:51 , Matt Verri

The Hammers are off the mark for the season and off the foot of the table!

Fornals’ deflected strike settles a low-quality affair.

15:49 , Matt Verri

90+1 mins: Watkins goes down in the box under pressure from Coufal, very optimistic. No penalty for that.

Three minutes added on.

15:47 , Matt Verri

89 mins: Ramsey has been really bright since coming on, so direct.

Runs at the defence again, tries his luck from 25 yards out. Catches it well but straight at Fabianski.

15:45 , Matt Verri

87 mins: Visitors have got to try and hold onto the ball, they’re struggling to get out.

Cash played in on the right, plays it back to Bailey. He cuts onto his left foot and curls an effort towards the far corner - well wide.

15:42 , Matt Verri

84 mins: West Ham increasingly pinned back now, Digne whipping cross after cross into the box.

That helps the visitors - shove from Watkins and that’s a free-kick. Eases all the pressure.

15:39 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Cresswell to take - hammered into the wall. So much better from West Ham though, they’re not just sitting back.

Entertaining final ten minutes in store perhaps?

15:38 , Matt Verri

79 mins: Brilliant from Rice, powerful run and nobody can get near him as he approaches the Villa box.

That is until Kamara slides in and brings him down, no interest in the ball. Free-kick and yellow card.

15:35 , Matt Verri

77 mins: Almost an immediate response from Villa as Ramsey gets in behind.

He cuts it back into the box, comes to Cash and he blasts over the bar. Claiming he was fouled - definitely not.

GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham | Pablo Fornals 74'

15:33 , Matt Verri

WEST HAM TAKE THE LEAD!

They have their first Premier League goal of the season at last! Big, big goal from Fornals, with the help of a massive deflection.

15:31 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Benrahma’s turn to pick up the ball in space, turn and run at the Villa defence.

Gets to the edge of the box, goes for goal and catches it well. Always rising over the bar though, no problems for Martinez.

15:29 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Ramsey drives through the West Ham midfield, Watkins makes a run that drags Zouma away.

It’s then a pass from Ramsey... to nobody. Straight out of play.

15:27 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Antonio already throwing his body around up front, having an impact.

We’re still waiting for the first bit of quality in the match, struggling to think of a single moment.

15:23 , Matt Verri

65 mins: Moyes turn to his bench again. Scamacca off, Antonio on.

Tough afternoon for the Italian, on his first Premier League start. Had absolutely nothing to work with.

Coutinho down holding the back of his leg, Buendia set to come on.

15:21 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Scamacca gets himself some space, as he plays a nice one-two with Soucek.

It opens up for him 20 yards out, goes for goal. Takes a big deflection and it’s a comfortable save for Martinez.

15:18 , Matt Verri

60 mins: West Ham certainly the better team since the break, starting to click in attack. Scamacca still not particularly involved though.

Cash lofts a ball into the West Ham box, Bowen volleys it straight up. Eventually cleared.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

15:16 , Matt Verri

Last season, that is just a goal. Jarrod Bowen has his head in his hands.

15:15 , Matt Verri

57 mins: BOWEN HAS TO SCORE!

West Ham clear the free-kick and they quickly break, Bowen has so much space. Tries to cut onto his left foot, takes too long and he gets blocked off.

Big, big moment.

15:14 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Coutinho nutmegs Rice and topples over, gets the decision. Bit generous.

He’s been one of the brighter players on the pitch, Coutinho. It’s a very low bar though.

15:12 , Matt Verri

54 mins: Nobody can make a pass! It’s crazy how poor the quality has been this afternoon.

Konsa under no pressure passes it straight to a West Ham shirt, but the visitors can’t take advantage.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

15:09 , Matt Verri

It’s been an improved start to the second half from West Ham, which again, isn’t saying much. Benrahma has made a difference already, able to pick up the ball on the half-turn in pockets that the visitors just weren’t finding before the break.

15:08 , Matt Verri

49 mins: Pass, pass, Digne cross, Zouma header away. Every Villa attack seems to have the same pattern.

They try for a fourth time, this time Ings wins the header but it loops over the bar.

15:05 , Matt Verri

47 mins: Better from West Ham already, much more energy and they win an early corner.

Swung in deep, too close to Martinez again though and he easily claims.

Back underway

15:03 , Matt Verri

So Emerson off, Benhrama on at the break for West Ham. The only way is up.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

15:02 , Matt Verri

No surprise to see a change of shape for West Ham at half-time. Said Benrahma’s been just about their best player so far this season and he’s into the mix.

If by positive you mean it’s over...

14:53 , Matt Verri

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:49 , Matt Verri

Well, that was rancid. Villa the better side but that’s not saying a great deal. West Ham’s system hasn’t worked at all - they’ve got no way of playing through the lines.

HT: Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham

14:47 , Matt Verri

Less said about that the better.

14:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: We’ve also made it to half-time. Hang in there.

Both managers could do with telling their players to wake up.

14:43 , Matt Verri

42 mins: A shot! An actual shot. West Ham’s first of the match.

Ball clipped in long for Scamacca, he heads it down to Fornals who hammers a volley well wide. Not the greatest of efforts but it’s an effort at least.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:42 , Matt Verri

He does look the part, Scamacca. Trouble is, I think West Ham have managed to get the ball into him twice in 42 minutes.

14:40 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Well defended from Zouma, McGinn played a decent ball over the top and Watkins briefly looked to be in.

Nothing is happened for either side in attack. Literally nothing.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:38 , Matt Verri

Just about sums it up, that little passage of play. A brilliant dummy from Coutinho, who then kicks the floor and falls over trying to play a ten-yard pass. All across the pitch their are excellent players - on both sides - having complete shockers.

14:36 , Matt Verri

34 mins: Coutinho tries his luck from distance, looking to curl it into the far corner. Straight at Fabianski.

This has not been the greatest of matches so far, it’s fair to say. Neither side particularly impressive.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:33 , Matt Verri

Boubacar Kamara has had an excellent half-hour here. Looks a proper player.

14:33 , Matt Verri

32 mins: Better from the visitors. Cresswell gets forward on the left wing, swings an early cross in and Bowen nearly gets on the end of it. Cleared behind for a corner.

Bowen takes, too close to Martinez who is off his line to claim.

14:31 , Matt Verri

30 mins: More comfortable Villa possession, Ings eventually swings the cross in towards Watkins. Headed away.

Booted out to Scamacca, he holds it up well but there’s immediately three players surrounding him and he’s unable to keep it.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:28 , Matt Verri

There’s such a big gap between front and back for West Ham. Pablo Fornals is trying to fill it pretty much on his own and they just cannot get him on the ball, they’re being swamped in midfield.

14:28 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Good from Kehrer, positioned well in the box and he heads away.

West Ham can’t really get out though, Villa straight back in possession. Bowen and Scamacca have barely touched the ball and that’s no exaggeration.

14:27 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Villa continue to dominant, without creating much in the way of clear-cut opportunities.

They’ll have enough chance to put something in the box, Fornals brings down Cash in a dangerous position. No need.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:24 , Matt Verri

A shame for Ben Johnson, who was enjoying a decent run at the start of the season, playing in a variety of positions, too.

David Moyes will have to hope that is nothing too serious because he’s still without Craig Dawson and Nayef Aguerd at the back.

14:23 , Matt Verri

23 mins: It’s been a poor display from West Ham so far and their problems are mounting - Johnson is going to be forced off with injury. Looks to be holding his hamstring.

Coufal coming on for the visitors.

14:21 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Slow start from Rice, he’s been caught out a couple of times. Terrible pass from him is pounced on, and Ings wins a free-kick by the corner flag.

Whipped in with so much pace, great header from Scamacca to flick it over his own bar.

14:20 , Matt Verri

19 mins: West Ham leaving a lot of space in behind Emerson and Johnson, Watkins in particular is getting plenty of joy.

Luiz tries to clip a ball over the top for Watkins who makes a run, but it’s massively overhit and through to Fabianski.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:18 , Matt Verri

Aston Villa are on top at the minute and Coutinho’s influence is growing. A few lovely little flicks and passes in tight areas around the edge of the box. At the other end, Scamacca’s hardly had a kick.

14:17 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Luiz knocks the ball past Rice, West Ham man brings him down.

Villa want a yellow card for Rice - they don’t get their wish. Next foul and he’ll be in the book for sure.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:17 , Matt Verri

That is a colossal let off for West Ham, who were caught napping by what looked a terrific delivery from Digne.

GOOO.... NO!

14:16 , Matt Verri

14 mins: Bowen playing right up alongside Scamacca, and he’s shoved off the ball as he looks to hold it up.

Villa break swiftly, Watkins played in down the left where he is completely free. Cuts inside, goes for goal and it’s deflected behind for a corner.

Digne swings it in, sensational delivery. Konsa turns it in at the back post - Villa lead!

Or not. Flag is up. Yep, cross went out of play before it came back in.

14:12 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Decent move from West Ham, Fornals finds Emerson on the left.

Tries to whip it in for Scamacca, cross is blocked though and it dribbles through for Martinez to claim.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:10 , Matt Verri

Declan Rice is in animated conversation with Kurt Zouma and with the bench during every break in play at the moment. Looks like they haven’t quite got to grips with Villa’s shape yet.

14:09 , Matt Verri

8 mins: Soucek and McGinn already seeing plenty of each other - flying into challenges at every opportunity.

West Ham had a confident couple of minutes but they’ve barely seen the ball since then. Villa not doing much with it though.

Malik Ouzia at Villa Park

14:07 , Matt Verri

After a pretty tepid first five minutes things have come alive a bit here. Neither side can string three passes together but it’s making for some entertaining stuff with the ball pinging about and tackles flying in.

14:06 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Hammers with no real interest in pressing high when Villa have the ball, letting Chambers and Konsa have it.

Digne walks almost the length of Villa Park as he goes to take a throw-in, before the referee eventually decides he is taking liberties.

14:04 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Confident enough start from West Ham, Johnson and Emerson getting forward in the early stages.

Emerson looks to fizz a pass into Scamacca who has dropped into midfield, cut out by Luiz. Visitors seeing all of the ball.

Home fans are up for it!

14:01 , Matt Verri

KICK-OFF!

14:00 , Matt Verri

Underway at Villa Park!

13:58 , Matt Verri

Players are out onto the pitch at Villa Park, very nearly time to get up and running.

Scamacca to shine on his debut? Villa to thrive in front of home fans? West Ham to actually score a goal?

Time to find out.

David Moyes’ thoughts...

13:53 , Matt Verri

“We’re piecing a lot of things together at the moment and we’re getting ready for a tough game against Aston Villa.

“We’ll do everything we can to get started at Villa. We need good performances to get results and, at the moment, the performances haven’t been good enough to get results. We’re seeing signs of it improving.

“The challenge for us is aiming at the top but at the moment we’ve got a job to do. We want to get the win at Villa and we’ll certainly try to do that.”

Not long to go!

13:48 , Matt Verri

Kick-off coming up in just over ten minutes.

Confidence not particularly high in either camp - Aston Villa have lost two of their opening three games.

Sole victory came on home soil though, against Everton. Can their supporters roar them on to another win this afternoon?

New boys to step up?

13:42 , Matt Verri

West Ham must get result

13:37 , Matt Verri

Three matches. Three defeats. No goals scored. West Ham’s start to the Premier League could not really have been any worse.

Tottenham and Chelsea are their next two opponents - today would be a very good time to pick up some much-needed points!

Warm-up time!

13:31 , Matt Verri

Gerrard on Villa’s transfer business

13:22 , Matt Verri

Steven Gerrard insists Aston Villa won’t be forced into making signings that aren’t right for the club.

Ismaila Sarr looked set to join Villa but the move fell through after discussions on personal terms, wth Gerrard adamant that Villa will be firm on what they need.

“If we want to make signings they have to be right in a lot of areas,” Gerrard said.

“If they’re not we won’t be hesitant in terms of going in a different direction and that was the case in this situation and we move forward. He is a fantastic player and we wish him well.

“There is no frustration. There is hard work and stuff going on behind the scenes, but I’d be surprised if that’s not the case at every club, especially at this time with the days running out.”

West Ham in the building

13:16 , Matt Verri

Scamacca in for Hammers

13:09 , Matt Verri

Ings and Watkins start together for Villa, with Coutinho preferred to Buendia. Chambers and Konsa the partnership in the centre of defence.

Big news for West Ham is that Scamacca makes his first Premier League start, after a couple of impressive displays in Europe. Emerson comes in for his Hammers debut and it’s a strong bench - Lanzini, Benrahma, Cornet and Antonio among the options in reserve.

Aston Villa team news

13:04 , Matt Verri

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Cash, Chambers, Konsa, Digne, Douglas Luiz, Kamara, McGinn, Coutinho, Watkins, Ings.

Subs: Buendia, Augustinsson, Young, Nakamba, Olsen, Bailey, Archer, Ramsey, Iroegbunam.

West Ham team news

13:01 , Matt Verri

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Johnson, Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell, Emerson, Rice, Soucek, Fornals, Bowen, Scamacca

Subs: Areola, Coufal, Ogbonna, Downes, Coventry, Lanzini, Benrahma, Cornet, Antonio

Stand by...

12:55 , Matt Verri

Team news coming up in five minutes.

Will Scamacca start for the visitors? Plenty of decisions for both managers to make. All will be revealed very soon!

Moyes: West Ham must shop in Aldi too

12:48 , Matt Verri

David Moyes says West Ham will continue to sound out bargains in the transfer market despite a summer of lavish spending, insisting the club must shop in Aldi as well as Harrods.

West Ham have brought in seven new players so far this summer, among them marquee arrivals such as Gianluca Scamacca and Nayef Aguerd, while on Friday the Irons reached an agreement in principle that could see Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta become the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

However, there have also been cut-price deals for the likes of Thilo Kehrer, who had just a year left on his Paris Saint-Germain contract, and Maxwel Cornet, whose release clause was activated following Burnley’s relegation, while Flynn Downes’ arrival from Swansea continues Moyes’ career-long habit of dipping into the lower leagues.

“We don’t want money to be the key thing that makes you a great football club - I don’t want that anyway,” Moyes said

Read the full story!

Perfect afternoon for it!

12:41 , Matt Verri

Prediction

12:34 , Matt Verri

Boosted by their European win, West Ham have too much quality not to get some points on the board against a Villa side low on confidence.

It’s likely to be a tight affair, but David Moyes’ side look set to pick up their first points of the season.

West Ham to win 2-1.

West Ham predicted XI

12:25 , Matt Verri

Gianluca Scamacca will not be “rushed” into starting his first domestic game, says David Moyes.

“Certainly, we feel as if we’ve got someone we’re looking forward to working with for a long time so we don’t need to rush him. But is he getting ready? Yes, he’s getting much closer to fitness now.”

Predicted West Ham XI: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell; Rice, Soucek; Benrahma, Fornals, Bowen; Antonio.

Early team news

12:16 , Matt Verri

Diego Carlos is the only big absentee for Villa as thing stand, with Gerrard likely to name another strong starting lineup, much as he did against Bolton in midweek.

For West Ham, Vladimir Coufal could make a return, while Moyes has hinted Gianluca Scamacca is close to getting his first Premier League starts.

How to follow Aston Villa vs West Ham

12:08 , Matt Verri

The game will not be broadcast in the UK.

LIVE coverage: Follow all of the action instead right here with us - Malik Ouzia will be providing expert analysis from Villa Park.

Good afternoon!

12:00 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Aston Villa vs West Ham!

David Moyes’ side looking for their first points of the season - big, big game for the visitors.

We’ll have all the latest updates and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 2pm from Villa Park. Stay tuned!