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By Harry Bamforth Published: 01: 05 AEST, 18 August 2024 | Updated: 05: 04 AEST, 18 August 2024 View comments It's time for me to say goodbye. I must say, what a cracking day of football it has been, I really don't want it to end. But I'm afraid it has. Aston Villa closed off the first Premier League Saturday of the season by toppling a defiant West Ham side in their own backyard. It took a late strike from Jhon Duran, who nearly joined the Hammers this summer, to get the job done after Lucas Paqueta cancelled out Amadou Onana's opener. I mean, Paqueta's penalty was very controversial, Tomas Soucek went down like a sack of potatoes after a seemingly good challenge by Matt Cash. But it was given. The pain of that penalty will now have disappeared for Unai Emery after Duran's strike, though. Anyway, it's time for me to head off. It's been a pleasure to bring you a crackling day of Premier League football after months away. I'll see you all tomorrow. Tara! Before I head off, let's take a look at the statistics. It's clear to see why Youri Tielemans called it a battle, it was so close between the two sides. 29 total shots, three apiece on target, and nearly the same amount of possession. It wasn't a vintage match, but it was still pretty darn good - I think so anyway. As I always say, the only stat that matters is the scoreline, and it's Aston Villa who are smiling at that. Youri Tielemans, Aston Villa midfielder, speaking to Sky Sports: Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: I think you can describe Jhon Duran as a super sub. He is the Divock Origi of this current Aston Villa team, he always pops up with big goals when he is needed. The striker has scored six Premier League goals from just 616 minutes played in the competition. To put that in perspective, he has scored a goal on average every 103 minutes. The man for the big occasion. I'm currently sitting in the office right now still wondering how Tomas Soucek missed this chance. He is literally two yards out. .. TWO. I do find it kind of funny he tries to play it off by seeming injured. We all know what you are doing, Tomas. These are the chances you have to take to do well in this league. I mean, it's a much better start than Aston Villa managed last year. Just 12 months ago they walked away from the opening day with their tail between their legs after shipping five goals to Newcastle. This season they leave with their chests puffed out thanks to a hard-fought late win. Those are the victories that get you in that winning habit, just what Villa will need to fight for Champions League football again. A big three points. Now it's time that you see the goal if you haven't already. I praise Ian Maatsen during the game and this is exactly why. His run and pass to start the move is brilliant. Then you know the rest, a fine finish and celebrations to match. I bet Villa fans will watch this over and over again tonight. It was written in the stars that Jhon Duran would net the winner. Earlier this summer he seemed set to arrive in east London to join West Ham. the striker even posted an emoji of the Hammers sign, seemingly showing his desire to move there. Fast forward to today and he has scored the goal to hand them a loss on the opening day. Football scripts are just the best. It is indeed the last chance. Just moments after Tomas Soucke missed a sitter, the referee blows the whistle for full-time at the London Stadium. The Julen Lopetegui era starts with a loss as Aston Villa kickstart their campaign in style. Unai Emery has John Duran to tank as his goal off the bench sends them back to the Midlands with three points. A thoroughly entertaining 90 minutes. Oh my word, how has Tomas Soucek missed that? ?? The ball is floated into him by Mohammed Kudus and he is two yards out. He looks set to just smash it into the net but it flies over the bar. I know it's a cliche, but even I could have scored that. Soucek has had a shocker. That's surely the last chance. Ian Maatsen is having a superb debut off the bench, I must say. He delivers a delightful cross to the back stick for Jaden Philogene to attack, but his volley is cleared. For a moment, I thought that was curtains for the Hammers. Nervy moments for Emi Martinez. He completely flaps at James Ward-Prowse's corner, but luckily for him, it lands to a Villa player. He thinks he has been fouled but he runs into his own player. .. Jeez, that's a lot of stoppage time. West Ham have seven additional minutes to find a late leveller, can they manage it? I have a hunch that they won't. Crysencio Summerville has made a massive difference to West Ham. Everything is now going through him on the left-hand side, he is running the show. If the Hammers are to score an equaliser, he will definitely be involved. I was just typing that Danny Ings and Jean-Clair Todibo have come on for West Ham and the former nearly scores. Ings rises highest to flick a header toward goal and the London Stadium holds its breath. But Emi Martinez foils the substitute. All you can hear in the London Stadium is the Villa fans singing. they have been fairly quiet this evening, but that potential winner has perked them right up. 'Allez, Allez, Allez' is being sung on repeat. Celebrations can be cut short briefly for Aston Villa, Matty Cash has picked up an injury. The full-back hobbles off the pitch and is replaced by youngster Kosat Nedeljkovic. It just had to be him, didn't it? Jhon Duran who looked set to join West Ham earlier this summer, scores against them. It's a lovely move from Aston Villa who shift the ball to Jacob Ramsey, who lays it on a plate for Duran. The striker then fires the ball low and hard beneath Alphonse Areola with aplomb. He then runs over to the away fans and tells them he is here to stay with his celebration. Or maybe he is pointing to the turf to say he is moving - that would be funny. .. Finally, the London Stadium comes alive. Pau Torres flicks a header behind for a hammers corner and it's like they have scored a goal. It feels like a game again all of a sudden. Here come the changes, then. There are two debutants coming on for the Hammers, as Niclas Fullkrug and Crycensio Summerville enter proceedings. They replace Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen in attack. James Ward-Prowse also enters the action in place of goalscorer Lucas Paqueta. There is also a debut for Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, while Jaden Philogene makes his second debut for the club. Leon Bailey and Lucas Digne make way. Kathryn is bang on, this game is now being played at a snail's pace. Substitutions are inbound for West Ham, though, so let's hope they spice this match up. Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: That was nearly very awkward for Jhon Duran. .. The Aston Villa striker is sent through and he arrows a powerful low drive toward goal. For a split second, I thought it was in, but it smashes into the side netting. Duran gives a wry smile, he nearly showed West Ham what they are missing out on. Michail Antonio, you have to do better! The West Ham striker is free at the back p[ost as the ball floats his way, but he somehow heads it over. At least get it on target, Michail. You're better than that. Here comes Jhon Duran. .. The Aston Villa forward thought he was moving to West Ham at one point this summer, now he is facing them. The striker replaces a tired-looking Ollie Watkins, while Jacob Ramsey is on for John Mc Ginn. Just as I posted the last update, Mohammed Kudus tries to shut me up. He has Aston Villa backing off as he drives at them, but the less said about the shot, the better. It's rubbish. Maybe it's just me, but it feels like this game has lost its zip. Maybe that's just because it's so quiet in the ground, or the two teams are taking their feet off the gas. Still, 30 minutes to go, mind. How are Aston Villa not ahead? Morgan Rogers has his head in his hands as he fails to convert a rebound from Youri Tielemans' blocked shot. He seems destined to score when the ball rolls his way, but he fires straight at Alphonse Areola. A big chance goes begging. Now that is an ambitious effort from Guido Rodriguez. The ball falls to him invitingly outside the box and you just know what he is going to try. You guessed it, he has a crack at a stupendous volley. It flies miles over the bar. Amadou Onana nearly scores another header. .. but at the wrong end. His heart would have been in his mouth as he connects with Mohammed Kudus' cross, but Emi Martinez spares his blushes. He can breathe a sigh of relief. The London Stadium is as flat as a pancake. I feel like I am back in Covid times as I can hear the players screaming on the pitch. Come on, get the atmosphere going! Mohammed Kudus that is simply filthy. The winger twists and turns in the box before delivering a ridiculous rabona cross that falls to Tomas Soucek at the back post. It's an exquisite cross that deserves a finish but it doesn't get one. Leon Bailey has been left in a heap on the ground and looks in some pain. Luis Paqueta arrives in late on the winger and treads on his toe, that's a nasty one. Paqueta looks nervous as he is on a yellow, but he's safe. .. for now. Aston Villa keep West ham waiting, but are finally back out. The London Stadium is looking very empty as this match gets back underway. Will there be a winner in this second half? I thought Amadou Onana's goal was quick, and this proves it. His header in the fourth minute was the joint earliest goal a player has scored on their Premier League debut for Aston Villa. The only other player to match it was Kevin Phillips with his strike against Bolton back in August 2005. Not a bad way to start life at a new club, eh? This is the dictionary definition of a thumping header! Yes, it's poor defending from West Ham, but Amadou Onana storms in to bang that ball home. To score four minutes into your debut is pretty impressive, especially as a holding midfielder. I bet you Villa fans enjoyed this one. Mail Sport's football Editor, Ian Ladyman doesn't seem to think so. Ian, I'm with you. It's hard to believe how VAR didn't believe that Matty Cash meant to get the ball. What do you all think? Honours even at the break. Aston Villa will walk down the tunnel feeling a little hard done by as they deserve to be in front. Amadou Onana netted four minutes into his debut to set them well on their way, before they started to dominate. However, a poor penalty decision, which Lucas Paqueta converted with ease, means they go in level. An entertaining half. Nearly a brilliant response from Leon Bailey. The winger has been brilliant so far and he cuts inside before setting his sights on goal. The Jamaican attacker lets fly of a decent strike which drifts just wide of the mark. The board then goes up to indicate three minutes of stoppage time. I've watched the replay again and I can't believe that penalty was given. Matty Cash gets a toe on the ball and Tomas Soucek buys the penalty. It's clear as day. While VAR made a mistake, I'm glad it was a quick review rather than watching it 10 or so times. I can't believe what is happening at the London Stadium. West Ham look like a completely different team now, they are pinning Aston Villa back. Emerson races through on the right-hand side and decides to have a crack from a tight angle. It's a decent chance, but Emi Martinez is equal to it. The tide has well and truly turned. West Ham suddenly have a spring in their step and are looking to complete the comeback. This is why football is such a great sport, things can change in the blink of an eye. Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: Cool. Calm. Collected. Lucas Paqueta steps up to the spot and makes no mistake, he stutters before sending Emi Martinez the wrong way. The Irons have been dominated, but they are level. The Julen Lopetegui era is truly underway. A bit of luck, but that's footie for ya! Ohhhhhh, West Ham have a penalty! Matty Cash collides with Tomas Soucek in the area before the Hammer falls to the ground. The referee points to the spot and Cash can't believe it, and neither can I to be honest. That seems fairly soft, but the decision stands. Agonisingly close from John Mc Ginn. A quick counter sees the ball arrive at his feet and after his first shot is blocked, he has another go. It feels like the second effort is in slow motion as it rolls toward the bottom corner. Eventually, he sees it roll just narrowly the wrong side of the post. Shock of the week, Lucas Paqueta has a yellow card to his name. I think this is the most predictable thing to have happened all weekend. Paqueta loves a booking. Just as I post how poor they have been, West Ham come to life. Mohammed Kudus has been the only live wire for the Hammers and he clips in a lovely ball to the back post. Tomas Soucek fights to head it home but Lucas Digne does fantastically well to clear it. Much better from the hosts. This feels all too comfortable for Aston Villa. They are just walking through West Ham under no pressure, I can't believe what I am watching. Julen Lopetegui must be tearing his hair out watching this. The post denies Leon Bailey a stunning goal! I was already typing goal as Leon Bailey dances around Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal. You just expect him to drive the ball into an empty net, but from a tight angle, he cannons it off the post. He throws his hands straight to his head. He knows how big that miss is. It would have been a glorious solo goal. What did Amadou Onana have for breakfast? Whatever it was, it has fueled him in the right way, he is having a storming match. The midfielder just dances around three players in the middle of the park and made it look easy. An impressive debut, so far. That's a little better from the hosts, the shackles are coming off. They finally string some passes together and it ends up with Michail Antonio. He decides to just have a crack, but his effort is blocked. It was a strange decision to shoot, but I think it was more out of frustration. I guess sometimes you juts have to have a go. Alphonse Areola to the rescue! The West Ham keeper is called upon yet again to deny the visitors netting a second. This time he smothers Ollie Watkins in the area after the striker is set free via a quick free-kick. West Ham just aren't switched on at the back. West Ham's bubbles have burst already. .. Aston Villa are tearing them apart with relative ease, at this rate it won't be long until they grab another. The Hammers need to settle down as soon as possible. West Ham parted like the Red Sea then. They allow Aston Villa to attack them so Morgan Rogers just decides to have a crack. It's a decent effort, but Alphonse Areola comfortably beats it away to safety. The Hammers look very shaky at the back. Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: There have been so many yellow cards this weekend. It takes just eight minutes for Leon Bailey to pick the first one up today. It's clear as day too, he wipes out Mohammed Kudus as he looks to start a counter. That goal has sucked the life out of the London Stadium. It took exactly four minutes for the optimism of the new season to drift away for the West Ham fans. Remember, Aston Villa rarely drop points when they go ahead. What a start for Aston Villa! Andre Onana makes a dream start to his Villa debut with a thumping header to give his side the lead. It's all too easy for the visitors as he gets on the end of a beautiful inswinging corner from the boot of Youri Tielemans. What were West Ham doing? Terrible defending. This game has got off to a flying start. Aston Villa bomb up one end before the Hammers get it clear before the hosts race up the other. They work the ball to Tomas Soucek in the area and he fires wide with a low drive. A decent start. Here we go then! Another rendition of 'Blowing Bubbles' from the West Ham faithful greets the whistle and we are off. Who will win the claret and blue derby? Kathryn Batte, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: The bubbles are well and truly being blown. West Ham fans belt out their anthem with their usual gusto as the two teams arise from the London Stadium tunnel. Unfortunately, we now have to listen to the Premier League anthem. It truly is awful. Thankfully, the stands try to cover it up with noise. It doesn't work, the speakers are too loud. There is no real thought process behind this post, I just like the hat. In modern-day football, bucket hats seem to be very trendy. I must admit, I do own a few. This is up there with one of the best I have seen. Ok, now I am excited! We are just over 10 minutes from kick-off and both teams have now finished their warm-ups. As I type this, both Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery are giving their final messages to their side. I wonder what's being said, I wish I could be a fly on the wall. Alexa, cue Eminem. A certain Emiliano Buendia is back in Aston Villa's matchday squad, he must be on cloud nine. Buendia missed the whole of last season due to a serious knee injury and has not featured since May 2023. Fantastic to see that he is back. It's already been an action-packed day in the Premier League, goals have been flying in. So, with that in mind, let's look at today's results: Jarrod Bowen, on becoming West Ham captain: There is an armband on his left arm, you just have to squint. There is a new skipper in west London and he goes by the name of Jarrod Bowen. With Kurt Zouma linked with a move away from the club, Julen Lopetegui decided to hand the captaincy to somebody else. I personally think he made the right call, Bowen sets the standards at the club with his performances on the pitch. Also, it's a good way of keeping him happy at the club. Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: It seems Julen Lopetegui is in high spirits. The new West Ham boss will most likely be nervous as kick-off edges closer, but he is not showing it. A slight smile as he graces the London Stadium turf for the first time this Premier League season. Will he be happy in a couple hours? Once Aston Villa take the lead they rarely look back. Last season, Unai Emery's side lost a league-low seven points from winning positions. So, if you see Villa are 1-0 up, it means it's most likely curtains for West Ham. Although, this is a new season. Times change. At this point, I say this every match. But it's because it's true, this is a fixture that should entertain us with lots of goals. I just know it. The facts back me up too. West Ham are on a run of 18 league matches without a clean sheet, they conceded a mammoth 74 goals last campaign. Meanwhile, Aston Villa had the second-highest shot conversion in the league last season, with a rate of 14. 8%. This doesn't look good for the Hammers, I have to say. Tom Collomosse, Mail Sport, at the London Stadium: Oh, the buzz of the opening day. Fans of both sides are arriving at the London Stadium with complete optimism ahead of the new season. In just a few hours they may have a very different outlook. But enjoy it while you can, it's pure bliss. It's not only West Ham with the bad omens. Aston Villa may be a good side, but they absolutely hate playing away at West Ham. Why, I hear you ask? Well, they are winless in nine top-flight matches away to the Hammers since a 2-1 victory at Upton Park in April 2011. Pretty rough record. West Ham do not have the best of records on the opening day. .. Wait, let me change that first sentence. They have a disastrous record. The Hammers have fallen to defeat 15 times in their opening Premier League fixtures. Yes, you read that right. No side has ever lost more than the Hammers have on the first day of the English top flight. Bad omen for them. Phoar, what a player Ollie Watkins is. Every Aston Villa fan knew just how good he was, but he became a national hero with his goal for England in the Euro 2024 semi-final this summer. The fact that Villa have been able to hold onto Watkins is a real statement, plenty of clubs have been sniffing around him. He delivered 19 goals last season, and 13 assists, will he carry his momentum into this season? My prediction is yes. Amadou Onana is the only new face to make Aston Villa's starting 11. I have watched Onana in the flesh a fair few times, and I must say, he is a brilliant midfielder. It was a real coup for Villa to pry him away from Everton, he was hot property. He is filling in the hole left by Douglas Luiz today, so he has a massive job on his hands. Can he deliver? Aston Villa are back. Unai Emery has stayed loyal to his team from last term with only Amadou Onana making inroads to the starting 11. Ollie Watkins of course leads the line with Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey either side of him. Only two new signings make the bench - Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley. Erm, only two it seems. .. Julen Lopetegui has named his first Premier League starting 11 as West Ham boss. He has only named two of his summer signings in the starting line-up, Guido Rodriguez and Max Kilman. there are four on the bench, however, including Crucensio Summerville and Niclas Fullkrug. A very strong squad. West Ham look like a completely different team this summer, they have been very active in the market. Here are all their signings: How many will feature today? I think we were all surprised by just how good Aston Villa were last season. If you had told me that they would qualify for the Champions League this time last year, I would have just laughed at you. The same can not be said this year. Under Unai Emery, this is a Villa side who are no longer the underdogs, they have become one of the best teams in the country. With that, people expect results. Emery has been backed in the summer, with the likes of Ian Maatsen, Amadou Onana, and Samuel Iling-Juniour joining the side. They have lost some big names too, such as Douglas Luiz, but you still expect them to pull through. It will be interesting to see what they have got for us today. West Ham look a lot different than they did just three short months ago. Instead of David Moyes in the dugout, it's Julen Lopetegui, and there are lots of new faces in the squad. With the money they have spent to bring players in, the pressure has been pumped up. The irons faithful are expectant. Lopetegui will want to get the new era off to a winning start today to lay a marker down to the rest of the league. The task at hand couldn't be much tougher, though. Not many teams got the better of Aston Villa last year. I'm expecting these two to serve up a cracker. Fancy another match? Of course, you do! This is why I adore the Premier League, it's just non-stop action. How can you not enjoy it? We cap off a brilliant day in style as Aston Villa travel to London to take on West Ham. Expectations are high for Villa after they exceeded them last year by finishing in the top four. But they are in for a tough challenge today as Julen Lopetegui's shiny new Hammers have brought in a lot of quality this summer. I can't wait any longer to get this going, let the show begin. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group