West Ham out of relegation zone after 1-1 draw against Aston Villa

West Ham, which slipped into the bottom three after Everton’s and Bournemouth’s wins on Saturday, dominated the game but struggled to convert its chances. The result leaves it 24 points in 17th place, while Villa remains 11th in the table.

Published : Mar 12, 2023 22:02 IST

Said Benrahma (R) celebrates after scoring his side’s goal against Aston Villa.
Said Benrahma (R) celebrates after scoring his side’s goal against Aston Villa. | Photo Credit: AP
infoIcon

Said Benrahma (R) celebrates after scoring his side’s goal against Aston Villa. | Photo Credit: AP

West Ham United drew 1-1 with Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, with Said Benrahma scoring from the penalty spot to cancel out Ollie Watkins’s early opener, lifting the London club out of the relegation zone.

West Ham, which slipped into the bottom three after Everton’s and Bournemouth’s wins on Saturday, dominated the game but struggled to convert its chances. The result leaves it 24 points in 17th place, while Villa remains 11th in the table.

The host made a bright start to the match and almost took an early lead from a set play, but Nayef Aguerd dragged his shot wide in the seventh minute, with Benrahma then firing a volley over the bar.

West Ham was made to rue its early profligacy as Villa went in front with its first real attack of the game, as in-form Watkins rose highest to head home from Alex Moreno’s inch-perfect cross in the 17th minute.

That lead lasted just nine minutes, however, as Benrahma made amends by hammering his spot kick past Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez after a clumsy foul by Leon Bailey on Lucas Paqueta.

Chasing a goal that would have earned it a third league win in 2023, West Ham pumped plenty of long balls forward and crosses into the box after the break, but Villa dug in defensively and Martinez stood firm when called upon.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment