Aston Villa vs West Ham FA Cup Report

Scorers: Onana 71’, Rogers 76’; Paqueta 9’

Graham Potter’s debut as West Ham United manager ended in heartbreak as Aston Villa overturned a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in the FA Cup third round at Villa Park.

Quick-fire second-half goals from Amadou Onana and Morgan Rogers sealed the comeback for the hosts, who celebrated their 150th anniversary in style.

First Half: Paquetá Shines Amid West Ham’s Strong Start

Despite limited preparation time, Potter’s tactical influence was clear as West Ham frustrated Villa with a well-drilled setup.

The Hammers took the lead in the ninth minute when Lucas Paquetá finished clinically after an excellent cut-back from Crysencio Summerville. The Brazilian’s goal rewarded West Ham’s energetic start and silenced the home crowd.

Villa struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with misplaced passes and lacklustre movement drawing frustration from the stands.

The absence of Emiliano Martínez in goal seemed to unsettle the defence, and West Ham nearly doubled their lead when Mohammed Kudus tested Robin Olsen with a stinging effort.

However, the Hammers suffered setbacks as both Niclas Füllkrug and Summerville were forced off with injuries.

Second Half: Villa’s Resilience Turns the Tide

Villa returned from the break with renewed urgency, gradually imposing themselves on the game.

Their breakthrough came in controversial fashion when Onana capitalised on a loose ball after a corner that replays suggested should not have been awarded. The midfielder bundled the ball over the line to level the score.

The momentum shifted firmly in Villa’s favour five minutes later. Substitute Emi Buendía released Ollie Watkins with a clever pass, and his cut-back found Morgan Rogers, who slotted the ball home at the near post to complete the turnaround. The Villa Park crowd erupted as the hosts took control.

West Ham Falter as Villa March On

West Ham’s attempts to equalise were met with resistance from a resurgent Villa defence. Jacob Ramsey nearly added a third for the hosts, rattling the post with a long-range effort.

Despite promising flashes, the Hammers lacked the sharpness to create meaningful opportunities, and Villa’s substitutes proved decisive in securing the win.

What’s Next?

Aston Villa progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup, keeping hopes of silverware alive in their milestone season. West Ham, eliminated from the competition, will now turn their attention to the Premier League as Potter works to implement his vision.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
The FA Cup qualifying rounds fixtures and results – Competitions | The FA