In October 2021, the Hammers travelled up to Birmingham to face a struggling Aston Villa.
Sitting in 14th place, manager Dean Smith, the man whom originally promoted the Villain’s to the Premier League, was under immense pressure with many Villa fans quickly turning against him and calling for him to get the sack.
On the flip side, David Moyes’ men were brimming with confidence, coming off of a victory against Tottenham in the League whilst also knocking Manchester City - the current cup holders at the time - out of the Carabao Cup, beating them 5-3 on penalties.
Story of the match
The Irons were quick to make their mark away from home, as a delightful ball from skipper Declan Rice found the feet of Academy prospect Ben Johnson, whom rifled the Hammers in front from the edge of the box.
Minutes later, Leon Bailey had the chance to grab the equaliser for the Villain’s, but was unable to convert as his attempted left-footed shot drove into the gloves of Fabianski.
Villa were lucky to not go 2-goals behind so soon after; however, as a sensational double goal-saving block from Matty Cash prevented Bowen from doubling the Hammers lead away from home.
Involved in play yet again, a poor kick of the ball from the Hammers no.20 fortunately found the feet of Matty Cash across the pitch before firing the shot over the bar and into the stands.
The first half action continued as some sensational play between John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia allowed the Argentinian to find Ollie Watkins in the box, striking the ball past a helpless Lukasz Fabianski for the equaliser.
The home sides celebrations would be cut sort, however, as Declan Rice rifled a long range effort past many Villa bodies and Emi Martinez in goal, opening his Premier League account for the season, and giving the Hammers the advantage once again.
Battling to grab the leveller yet again, the Villain’s just couldn’t find the back of the net as a header from John McGinn drifted away from goal and the bottom corner, to keep the score remaining at 1-2 to the travelling Hammers.
With the first half concluding, the Hammers entered the tunnel optimistic but had to extend their lead and fast before it became costly.
As the second 45’ went on, things weren’t getting any better for Dean Smith’s men, as a poor challenge on Jarrod Bowen from Ezri Konsa in the box called for a VAR check - bad news for the home side.
Originally given a yellow card, his fate now lied with the referee, whom advised by VAR, went for his back pocket, sending the Englishman down the tunnel and Aston Villa to 10-men.
Continuing to fight for the leveller, the home side came close yet again as a low cross from John McGinn sailed above the head of Angelo Ogbonna and onto Ollie Watkins, whom was quick to force a save out of the ‘Pole in goal’ as his header clashed with the no.1’s palms and the crossbar - denying Villa yet again.
Prepared to hit the ball on the volley, substitute Manuel Lanzini was unfortunate to collide heads with Ashley Young, winning the Irons a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Stepping up to take the fee-kick, Declan Rice came close to grabbing his second of the evening as his superb strike was palmed away by Emi Martinez.
However, West Ham’s pursuit for a third goal finally came in the last 10 minutes of normal time as Jarrod Bowen’s low-driven effort was palmed away by the Argentinian in goal, only to find the feet of Pablo Fornals, whom calmly tapped the ball home from two yards to give the Hammers a two-goal-advantage.
Four minutes later, David Moyes’ side grabbed their fourth of the evening as Michail Antonio found Manuel Lanzini in the box, who with all his effort delightfully played in Jarrod Bowen, from across the box, tapping the ball past an infuriated Martinez for 4-1.
The final whistle soon concluded an eventful evening for both sides as the Hammers levelled points with Manchester City, whilst Dean Smith’s fate was soon decided - his sacking was imminent.
Can the Hammers replicate this fine performance away from home yet again in hopes of progressing to the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup?
Player of the Match - Declan Rice
Leading his side out of the tunnel yet again, the Hammers skipper was heavily influential in midfield, scoring his first Premier League goal of the season whilst assisting his fellow academy graduate Ben Johnson for the Irons opener.
