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What a debut for Jesse Lingard after having the all-clear to join the Hammers on loan. The 28 years old had struggled for a game-time amid injuries too. It has been a tough 13 months for the player. He got a dream debut when he scored two good goals and his parent club, Manchester United would be watching on with pride.
Lingard started his first Premier League game in 13 months and credit to David Moyes for throwing him into the fray seeing how he has struggled for form and injuries. Lingard was the star of the match and it is a true testament to his resilience, quality and determination to succeed. It is never easy performing the way he did if the hunger wasn't there, considering all that he had gone through.
He was the star of the show and his brilliant link up with Anthonio in a short space of time bodes well for the future. Antonio has always been a wonderful player with good vision.
The first goal of the game came when Benrahma found Soucek in the 51st minute after a goalless first half with nothing to separate both teams. Benrahma with the defence-splitting pass found him and despite the late surge from Tyron Mings to block it off, Soucek brilliantly buried his effort with a decent strike leaving Martinez with no choice. It was beautifully taken.
The hammers came alive and just 5 minutes after, the man of the moment, on loan from Manchester United, Jesse Lingard added to the scoreline to make it 2-0. Benrahma found Anthonio who showed good vision to find Jesse Lingard at the other end in the box. Lingard beautifully chested the ball down and powered a low drive shot that found the back of the net. I felt Martinez should have done better there though.
Shortly after the hour mark, Tyron Mings Denise Anthonio with an excellent goal-line clearance that would have seen West Ham go three goals up. It was a brilliant effort and he ended up getting a bit of a stretch saving that ball.
Aston Villa responded in the 81st minute when Watkins halved the deficit. He raced to the ball and produced a decent finish. It was a good goal that created a nervy ending for the Hammers but the 2 goals advantage was restored just 2 minutes after and nerves were calmed.
Anthonio was at it again and he set Lingard up. Lingard delivered the goal again for his second of the day and the third for West Ham. Another lovely link-up play between Lingard and Anthonio. This is a dream start for Lingard. The goalkeeper should have done better with that effort but not to take away anything from Lingard's effort, it was a wonderful effort from him. He has obviously staked his claim for the starting 11 for the next game but considering he has been out for long, he should be better coming on in the second half, depending on his fitness level anyway.
Lingard hasn't played a Premier League game since the final day of last season. He has only appeared in 3 cup games for Manchester United this season. He has shown creativity and optimism for this game.
David Moyes has now overseen 3 consecutive away wins in the Premier League. This is the first time that would happen since April 2014 when he had 4 consecutive away wins with former club, Manchester United.
The Hammers have been flying too as they now have 38 points in 22 games in the League. This is the highest they have ever attained at this stage of the season ever since the 1985/1986 season in which they had 45 points at this stage and they finished in 3rd place. Are we about to see a repeat and they would break into top 4? Nothing can be ruled out in this season. It's a season filled with suspense, surprises and unpredictability.
Aston Villa has now lost back to back Premier League games against West Ham for the first time since January 2006.
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