Villa back on track! McGinn, Watkins seal win against West Ham

Aston Villa strengthened their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over relegation-threatened West Ham United at Villa Park on Sunday.

The hosts took the lead in the 15th minute through captain John McGinn, who curled a beautiful left-footed strike from the edge of the area, expertly set up by Jadon Sancho in a well-rehearsed set-piece move.

Ollie Watkins ended a six-match goal drought in the 68th minute, tapping in a rebound after Mats Hermansen saved his initial shot from Morgan Rogers. Watkins’ strike marked his ninth goal in all competitions this season and gave Villa a comfortable cushion.

Villa, who had earned just nine points from their previous ten league matches, displayed a much-improved performance following their Europa League quarter-final success midweek. Watkins led the line confidently, showing England manager Thomas Tuchel what he’s missing in the national setup.

Despite dominating the first half with multiple chances, including two for Watkins and a wide effort from Lucas Digne, Villa had a penalty overturned via VAR after Konstantinos Mavropanos clipped Watkins in the box.

The win moves Villa into fourth place, five points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, while West Ham remain in the relegation zone, 18th and just a point from safety.