Unai Emery sent 'abysmal' West Ham message as Aston Villa worry emerges

Aston Villa booked their place in the fourth-round of the FA Cup with a victory over West Ham United on Friday night.

Unai Emery’s side initially fell behind against the Hammers when Lucas Paqueta opened the scoring inside the opening 10 minutes. However, two goals in quick succession from Amadou Onana and Morgan Rogers completed the hosts' comeback.

And Villa supporters, commenting on Birmingham Live, have been giving their verdicts on their side’s latest victory. Commenter Jimbo1964 said: “I thought the subs really made the difference. In the first half we were dire, so predictable, the ball goes to Mings/Konsa and then stops. No forward movement and when there was, nobody passed it to them. When subs were made, they just upped the tempo and the whole game changed.”

Amo9 remarked: “The main thing is we’ve got the win. I think Buendia's introduction changed the game, he showed a lot of energy and made me wonder why he didn’t start. Ramsey also looked free for the first time in a long time and that showed, he looked very positive. Overall, Villa have proved today we are a better team when we play with speed, but we were far too slow in the first half and that needs addressing.”

Crichy thinks: “That was maybe the worst first half performance I ever witnessed. Mings and Konsa just want to pass the ball sideways and backwards - so frustrating. Maatsen made some great runs, but Mings ignored every one! It was an absolute joke. There were some positives, we got through and Buedina and Ramsey looked lively.”

Oxonvilla said: “Maatsen was making runs which Mings was regularly ignoring. Before he went off, Barkley was constantly asking for the ball. He too was ignored.”

Mac78 added: “A welcome result after a very negative first half where we didn't record a single shot on or off target.”

Oxonvilla points out: “The 2nd goal came from slick passing straight through the middle. I think it was the first time we tried it tonight and it paid off. Why we don’t do it more often I really don’t know. The balls played wide are so predictable and telegraphed and consequently easy to defend.”

Petetheviking asked: “Why oh, why, can’t we be motivated for every first half? We always give an early silly goal away. Emery might be pleased, but it was dire football and we were very lucky.”

Chosen in 1957 stated: “We were abysmal for an hour, but we slowly got a hold of the game in the last 30 minutes and you could see and feel the momentum shift with Rogers and Watkins finally making surging runs. I couldn't give MOTM but the result is absolutely everything and let’s hope that we get a home draw in the 4th round because its really becoming fortress Villa Park this season.”

Ansellsvillaman said: “Good to see JJ back, nice cameo appearance, let’s hope he stays injury free for the rest of the season.”

Buy your Aston Villa 150th anniversary commemorative kit Aston Villa have released a special commemorative kit to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary - and you can get your hands on one now. The club is continuing its season-long celebration on Friday night when Unai Emery's side host West Ham in the FA Cup. To mark the fixture, which is nearly 150 years to the day of their first-ever recorded match, players will wear a one-off black kit. It's the colour Villa first used for their kits before the transition to claret and blue colours. The shirts will also feature adidas' Aeroready technology as well as the famous three stripes in all black. Buy your commemorative Villa kit HERE

Were you happy with the result? What are your recommendations for a better first half? Have your say in our comments section.

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