Aston Villa thrash West Ham to close on Premier League top four

Aston Villa’s 4-1 victory over West Ham on Sunday propelled them within two points of the top of the Premier League table. The standout performer of the match was Douglas Luiz, who netted two goals for Villa.

Under the guidance of coach Unai Emery, Aston Villa has undergone a remarkable transformation in just over a year. Their impressive form exemplifies their aspirations to secure a place in the Champions League this season.

Douglas Luiz has been one of the standout players under Emery’s management, consistently delivering exceptional performances. He made history by becoming the first Aston Villa player to score in six consecutive home Premier League games.

In the 30th minute, Luiz’s powerful strike from the edge of the box found the back of the net, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola helpless. Aston Villa had numerous opportunities to extend their lead in the first half but had to settle for a single-goal advantage at halftime.

Early in the second half, Luiz seized the chance to double Villa’s lead from the penalty spot after Ezri Konsa was tripped by Edson Alvarez. However, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen managed to reduce the deficit just five minutes later with a goal that deflected off Pau Torres.

Aston Villa quickly extinguished any hopes of a West Ham comeback with a goal from the in-form Ollie Watkins. Watkins, fresh from his winning goal for England against Australia, struck his eighth goal of the season from a tight angle.

Leon Bailey, another impressive attacking addition to Villa’s squad, demonstrated his skills in the limited 15 minutes he was given on the field. With a step over past Nayef Aguerd, Bailey unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.

With this victory, Aston Villa climbed to fifth place in the Premier League table and are now within striking distance of league leaders Manchester City.

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