West Ham was denied a late winning goal by Tomas Soucek, resulting in them settling for a point in the Premier League match against Aston Villa at the London Stadium.
Soucek believed he secured victory for the Hammers in the dying moments of added time by connecting with James Ward-Prowse’s curling free-kick, but it was disallowed for handball following an extensive Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Nicolo Zaniolo salvaged a point for Aston Villa, who are chasing qualification for the Champions League, by scoring in the 79th minute. Moussa Diaby’s precise cutback into the box allowed the Italian to expertly poke the ball home, marking his second league goal for Villa.
Michail Antonio propelled the Hammers ahead by scoring his first Premier League goal since August. The Jamaican international showcased his aerial prowess with a magnificent diving header, meeting Vladimir Coufal’s precise cross in the 29th minute.
However, Antonio’s second goal was disallowed shortly after halftime, as he was deemed to have used his arm to control Jarrod Bowen’s cross.
Despite these events, David Moyes’ side maintains their seventh position in the table, while Villa holds a three-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham.
Antonio proves his worth for Hammers
Fresh from achieving their largest-ever European victory on Thursday evening, West Ham asserted control over the game in the first half, making it difficult for Villa to penetrate their defense.
Coufal managed to connect with a Bowen pass, but Martinez saved his attempt, and his follow-up shot went wide after a chest and volley.
Antonio demonstrated his enduring value to the Hammers, especially when he’s in good physical condition, by scoring his first league goal since the third game of the season. The 33-year-old had been sidelined for three months due to a knee injury sustained in November, making his first league start of the year a significant contribution.
Shortly after the hour mark, Antonio was substituted to applause from the home supporters as he continues his journey back to full fitness, replaced by Ben Johnson.
Ultimately, the match was characterized by two handball incidents as West Ham once again dropped points in a league fixture following a Europa League match this season.
A hard-fought draw for Villa
Unai Emery’s side missed the chance to go five points clear of Tottenham as they toiled to a point against West Ham.
After a disappointing first half, they were much improved after the break and their goal came from substitute Zaniolo.
Both of his Premier League goals for Villa this season have been second-half equalisers after coming off the bench.
“When they scored the plan changed and in the second half we did better than in the first half,” said Villa boss Emery.
“We created – not clear chances – but we were dominating and playing well. We dominated, scored the goal and tried to win the match. It’s a draw but the result is good for us.
“I’m very happy for Nicolo, hopefully we can keep him in this mood for the rest of the season.”
The Villans are yet to beat West Ham at London Stadium and missed the chance to do a league double over them for the first time since 2010-11.
Leon Bailey cut inside and then lashed a wild shot high and wide in an effort which summed up Villa’s afternoon while Youri Tielemans’ effort from long range was palmed away by Alphonse Areola.
Emery will be expecting a better performance when his side host Wolves on 30 March (17:30 GMT) in their next league fixture.