London, Aug 18: Julen Lopetegui’s tenure as West Ham United Head Coach began with a narrow opening day defeat against Aston Villa at London Stadium on Saturday.
The visitors found themselves in firm control when Amadou Onana nodded them into a fourth-minute lead, taking advantage of some loose West Ham marking to head home, but Lucas Paquetá levelled from the penalty spot to ensure the sides would go in at half-time locked at 1-1.
Jhon Durán’s 79th minute strike ultimately proved the difference and was enough to hand the visitors all three points.
The Hammers had their chances – especially in a much-improved second half– but failed to capitalise and ultimately it proved to be an evening of frustration for Lopetegui’s side. Boss Lopetegui opted to hand debuts to Maximilian Kilman and Guido Rodríguez, while Jarrod Bowen wore the captain’s armband on Claret and Blue day.This was West Ham’s first competitive match under the Spaniard, with the buoyant Hammers fans understandably bouncing at kick-off. But Aston Villa immediately set about asserting their authority on proceedings, and took the lead after just four minutes in E20. Tomáš Souček conceded a corner with a loose touch and the visitors soon made Lopetegui’s side pay, as Youri Tielemans’ corner found Onana unmarked at the front post to head home and send the travelling support wild.
West Ham had no answer to the waves of early pressure. The away fans were nearly celebrating again once shortly after when Morgan Rogers forced Alphonse Areola into a full-stretch save with a low shot after embarking on a long, mazy run, before Leon Bailey raced onto Matty Cash’s long ball forward, managed to get past Areola and struck towards goal but saw his effort hit the near post.The chances kept on coming for Unai Emery’s side, with John McGinn curling wide by a fraction at the end of a flowing counter-attack, as Villa spurned plenty of golden opportunities to extend their advantage.In truth, the Hammers struggled to craft a clear-cut opportunity throughout the opening 30 minutes, but they would level from the penalty spot on 37 minutes after a tangle of legs between Cash and Souček inside the box, with Paquetá sending Emiliano Martinez the wrong way from 12 yards. (AP)
