Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham: Pablo Fornals gives Hammers first win of season

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard said he understood the frustrations of the club’s supporters after defeat by West Ham made it three losses from four games this season.

Villa were booed at full-time at Villa Park after Pablo Fornals’ deflected strike gave the Hammers their first win of the campaign.

Gerrard also appeared to be booed as he walked towards the tunnel.

“I have got two ears and I hear a lot of things,” said Gerrard.

“I heard the fans’ frustration and last time I checked my ears were still working so, yeah, I pick up on everything.

“I’ve been in the game long enough. If you lose three games out of four it is not the start the supporters wanted and certainly not the start that I wanted, so of course I understand.”

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A third defeat of the season adds to the pressure on Gerrard, who may be without Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian was forced off with an injury.

Villa looked the more dangerous side during a forgettable first half and had a goal disallowed after Lucas Digne’s corner went out of play before Ezri Konsa tapped home.

However, Villa struggled to kick on and failed to create clear-cut chances after Fornals put West Ham ahead.

Gerrard says he is “all in” as he attempts to rejuvenate his squad in time to face the top two – Arsenal and Manchester City – in the next two games.

“We certainly share our supporters’ frustration and there is no one more frustrated than me,” he added.

“The only thing we can do now is act and try to put it right. I am all in to make that happen and my staff are but it has to come from within the players as well and the players have got to really stay together and find results now to move us up the table.

“We’re frustrated at the moment and we haven’t put enough points on the board, certainly for the players we have got in the dressing room.

“Our return hasn’t been enough, I’m aware of that and in terms of moving forward we have got a choice.

“We either feel sorry for ourselves and it continues or we roll our sleeves up, stick together and try to put it right. I need to lead that and that is what I’ll try to do.”

Moyes excited by Paqueta’s imminent arrival

West Ham’s victory came hours after news they are on the brink of completing a £36.5m deal for Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, with Hammers boss David Moyes confirming the Brazilian had a medical on Sunday.

“I can’t confirm if it is all good or all bad,” he said. “I’m obviously really hoping it comes off because I think he is an excellent player.

“He can add something for us and he’s another exciting player.”

Paqueta would be West Ham’s eighth addition of the summer, following Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Flynn Downes, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet, Thilo Kehrer and Emerson Palmieri.

“We have brought in several players and a lot are internationals,” added Moyes.

“If we bring in a Brazil international as well… it has been a difficult window but trying to add something at a level that we think can probably keep us up there is what we’ve tried to do.

“And I have to say I am thankful to the club and the board for trying to get us the best we can.”

Paqueta’s imminent arrival coupled with a vital win over Villa should give the Hammers a timely boost as they prepare to welcome Tottenham to the London Stadium on Wednesday before Sunday’s trip to Chelsea.

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