Gonzo hands out the marks
Areola:7 His fast distribution gets West Ham on the counter attack far quicker than Fabianski. Amazing save from Watkins thwarted an inevitable goal.
Kehrer:5 Nowhere to be seen as Moreno crossed from the left wing for Villa’s opener. I thought he battled and competed well but his positioning as a right back is awful. Caught out by Watkins again later in the first half. Villa clearly saw our right side as a weakness and relentlessly attacked that area.
Zouma:8 Nodded wide following a good cross from Benrahma. The most solid out of all the defenders . Played the pass of the match with a 60 yard ball to Benrahma.
Aguerd:6 Out–maneuvered and out-jumped as Watkins scored. Got himself into trouble again with Watkins who won the duel.
Emerson:8 Looked comfortable and offered an outlet going forward. Disposessed Watkins when he looked to be through on goal. Impressive performance.
Rice:7 Played the holding role. Good block stopped a Baily goal-bound effort.
Soucek:5 Possibly the least involved player in the game, surprised to see him appear for the second half. Made a block and defended well.
Paqueta:6 Had a shot cleared off the goal line then won himself a penalty. Cute pass put Benrahma through.
Bowen:7 Seemed to have the beating of Villa full-back Moreno whenever he ran at him. West Ham’s biggest threat in the first half. Annoyingly selfish move in the 68th min saw him waste a golden opportunity to pass to team-mates when we had Villa on the ropes.
Benrahma:8 Scored West Ham’s equaliser on the 26th min with a thunderous penalty. Followed it up with a number of long-range shots. Started the second half brightly by forcing Martinez into a save then curling an effort just wide. Really took the game to Villa in the second half. Wasted a great chance to put Ings through on goal.
Ings:6 Isolated up front and as a result was not involved for much of the game. Looked sharp whenever he featured, I’m still not convinced he suits David Moyes tactics.
Fornals:4 On for Paqueta who was on a booking and looking feisty. Immediately put through on goal but completely missed the ball. Made a hash of another attacking move in the 82nd min.
Cornet: On as a late sub for Danny Ings. Good to see him back but definitely has a tendency to get caught offside.