Aston Villa fans were in high spirits following a hard-fought victory against West Ham United, a match that showcased the resilience of the team despite a somewhat subdued performance from Morgan Rogers, who ultimately emerged as the match-winner. His decisive goal not only secured the win but also overshadowed the initial optimism surrounding Graham Potter's debut as West Ham's manager. Having had just one training session with his squad after taking over from Julen Lopetegui, Potter now faces the challenge of steering his team away from the relegation zone, with crucial fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace on the horizon.
The match began with West Ham taking an early lead through Lucas Paquet, who scored in the ninth minute. This goal was a testament to Potter’s strategic approach, highlighting a blend of disciplined defence and incisive attacking play. The move initiated by Lukasz Fabianski involved a series of precise passes, culminating in Paquet’s accurate finish. However, Villa responded with determination, equalising through Amadou Onana, marking a significant moment in the match.
This victory was particularly noteworthy for Villa, as it represented their first FA Cup win in nearly a decade, adding to their illustrious history as seven-time champions of the tournament. In celebration of their 150th anniversary, Villa donned black shirts reminiscent of their historical kits, while West Ham opted for their away white strip—an outfit that seemed ill-suited for a team grappling with the challenges left by Lopetegui's management.
Despite the limited time Potter had to implement his tactics, his influence was evident from the outset. Just 40 seconds into the match, Paquet nearly opened the scoring with a fierce shot that narrowly missed, prompting a reaction from Villa's goalkeeper, Robin Olsen. Villa's defensive resilience was soon put to the test, particularly following Niclas Füllkrug's departure due to a hamstring injury, which saw Danny Ings enter the fray.
As the match progressed, Villa began to assert their dominance in possession, although they struggled with passing and decision-making. West Ham’s tactical discipline was commendable, with Crysencio Summerville playing a crucial role in defence before being replaced by Vladimir Coufal. Villa's decision to field a strong lineup was commendable, especially given that this match marked their 29th of the season amid a packed January schedule. However, they faced further adversity when Ross Barkley had to be substituted for Onana due to an ankle injury.
As the game approached its climax, Villa intensified their efforts to secure the win. Youri Tielemans missed a chance from the edge of the box before Ian Maatsen finally tested Fabianski, forcing the goalkeeper into action for the first time. Just as Villa’s manager Unai Emery prepared for substitutions, Onana found the equaliser. Despite West Ham's protests regarding the corner that led to the goal, Villa seized the moment, with Tyrone Mings' flick-on and a deflected shot allowing Onana to score from close range.
Villa’s resurgence was swift, as Ollie Watkins made an intelligent run to receive a pass from Emiliano Buenda, delivering a pinpoint low cross for Rogers to slot home from close range. The home side continued to push for a stronger finish, with Aaron Ramsey coming agonisingly close to adding a third goal after striking the post. This victory not only propels Villa into the next round of the FA Cup but also reinforces their status as a formidable force in the competition.