Perfect start for Lingard as Hammers smash Villa

Aston Villa 1 West Ham 3

Another night on BT Sport. From the kick off it's apparent that the lively Lingard is looking really pleased to be playing football again and already seems to have a good understanding with Benrahma and Antonio — even if it is tough on Fornals to be dropped.  

The Hammers have the better of the first half, creating a few chances with Antonio scuffing a volley and Lingard testing Martinez from distance. Watkins does hit the outside of the post with a curling shot after a mistake by Dawson, but Soucek also goes close before the interval.

Moyes has got it right tactically, unlike against Liverpool. Playing Fredericks as a wingback helps nullify the threat of Grealish and Coufal relishes winding up the Villa talisman with some crunching tackles.

Antonio shoots wide after a quickfire break early in the second half. But the Hammers take the lead as Antonio holds up the ball for Benrahma, whose great first time pass releases Soucek to rifle it into the far corner.

The Hammers are two up after another swift counterattack. Watkins is dispossessed by Rice, Benrahma breaks at speed to find Antonio, whose pass is chested down by Lingard. He shoots past Martinez and is mobbed his teammates round the corner flag. 

It's almost three when a fine dribble and cross from Fredericks sees Antonio's shot deflected over. Then a great Cresswell pass releases Antonio only for his lob to be cleared off the line by Mings.

It gets a little worrying with eight minutes left as Grealish finds Watkins to score as he gets between Ogbonna and Dawson. A couple of minutes later Dawson has to make a fine block to deny Watkins again.

The game is finally put to bed when Soucek wins a tackle to release Antonio who finds Lingard in space on the right. Lingard's shot goes straight through the hapless Martinez and Jesse even gets to do his silly dance in celebration. For a bloke who's not played since September it's been a fantastic performance.

It's a shame Benrahma can't round off a great Hammers move in added time, but this has been another impressive away win at a good side. Coufal, Fredericks, Soucek, Benrahma, Lingard and Antonio, who helped create three goals, have all been standout performers. This is WHU's best points total since the Boys of '86. Where is it going to take us? COYI!