They've carried out everything we've asked

West Ham displayed glimpses of recovery under new leadership, but inconsistency and setbacks marred their visit to Villa Park.

Arriving with just two wins in their previous eight league matches—against struggling Wolves and Southampton—the Hammers started with energy and intent. Lucas Paquetá came close within two minutes, and his early opener sparked celebrations on the visiting bench, with manager Graham Potter visibly delighted.

However, West Ham couldn't sustain their strong start. Aston Villa gradually found their rhythm, particularly in the second half, as injuries to Niclas Füllkrug and Crysencio Summerville left the visitors short of attacking options. Amadou Onana’s equalizer, which resulted from a corner controversially awarded by referee Tim Robinson, further shifted momentum away from the Hammers.

Despite the result, Potter chose to highlight the team’s effort. "The response I've had in our preparation time and what the boys tried to do was really encouraging and positive," he said. "The application of the players has been really good. They've carried out everything we've asked them to do in a short space of time."

West Ham’s struggles in domestic cup competitions continue, with their last FA Cup win dating back to 1980. Though David Moyes led them to the Europa Conference League title in 2023, early eliminations like this—following last season's third-round exit—remain a frustrating trend.

Still, Potter’s arrival offers a fresh sense of hope, even as the wait for domestic silverware persists.