1. First Premier League of the season
Points are on the board.
At Villa Park, the Hammers dug deep to grind out an all-important victory with a resolute display. A performance that may not have been the prettiest but is one they can take into upcoming London derbies against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
David Moyes’ men have impressed in Europe this season, defeating Viborg FF 6-1 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Europa Conference League group-stage, but have now transitioned the wins to the domestic schedule.
After a luckless display at Nottingham Forest where Saïd Benrahma and Pablo Fornals struck the bar and Declan Rice missed a penalty, the Hammers benefited from a piece of good fortune at Villa Park.
Doesn’t matter how they come though! Three points! Get in!
2. Fornals strikes against Villa – again!
Clearly, Fornals loves facing Claret and Blue as much as he loves playing in it.
The Spain midfielder netted for the third game in a row against Aston Villa when he struck our winner at Villa Park in the 74th minute on Sunday. The Hammers have now beaten Villa in five straight league matches.
A positive influence on and off the field, Fornals stood up when it counted and – with a bit of luck – saw his shot deflect off Ezri Konsa and into the net.
The 26-year-old ran to the away support with a familiar emotion, having netted in the Hammers 4-1 win at Villa Park last season.
The Hammers No8 also struck against Steven Gerrard’s men, as West Ham ran out 2-1 victors at the London Stadium last campaign.
Fornals and Claret and Blue; simply unstoppable.
3. Thilo shines as Hammers get clean sheet
After conceding a penalty on his Premier League debut against Brighton & Hove Albion a week ago, Thilo Kehrer more than made amends with an impressive display at the heart of the Hammers defence.
Alongside Kurt Zouma, the German international stood tall, adapting into both the starting back-five and then back-four, as Moyes’ tactical switch at half-time brought the winner.
Pacy in response to the threat of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, Kehrer helped secured the Hammers' first league clean sheet of the season – and made it two shutouts from the last two matches in all competitions.
4. Away support
As always, the Hammers away support played its part in a tough-fought victory on the road.
Constantly supporting the side throughout, the Claret and Blue Army got their reward when they urged Fornals to strike in the 74th minute.
When the 26-year-old saw his effort deflect over Emiliano Martínez there was a moment of silence before the ball hit the net.
Then, cue: a huge celebration. Fornals leading the charge, as all outfield players ran to the away following at Villa Park.
Massive support once more.
