Aston Villa staged a remarkable comeback to defeat West Ham United 2-1 in the FA Cup third round at Villa Park, securing their place in the fourth round. The match, held on January 10, 2025, marked a significant moment for Villa as they celebrated their 150th anniversary.

Aston Villa's Dramatic Fightback

West Ham took an early lead in the ninth minute with a goal from Lucas Paquetá, who capitalized on a well-placed square pass from Crysencio Summerville. Despite this early setback, Aston Villa gradually found their rhythm and began to assert control over the game. The first half was marred by injuries, with both teams losing key players early on; West Ham’s Niclas Füllkrug and Villa’s Ross Barkley were forced off due to hamstring and ankle issues, respectively.

Thrilling comeback at Villa Park

The turning point came in the second half when Amadou Onana equalized for Villa in the 71st minute. His goal stemmed from a controversial corner decision that West Ham contested, claiming it should not have been awarded. Television replays suggested they had a valid argument, as Onana's initial shot appeared to have been cleared off the line without any visiting players nearby. Nonetheless, the referee's decision stood, allowing Onana to score from close range.

Just five minutes later, Morgan Rogers netted the winner for Villa after receiving a precise pass from Ollie Watkins. Rogers expressed his delight post-match, emphasizing the team's belief in their ability to come back against any opponent. 

This victory is particularly significant for Villa as they aim to build momentum following last year's disappointing exit in the fourth round against Chelsea. Manager Unai Emery praised his team's performance and resilience, noting that this win boosts their confidence moving forward. For West Ham, it was a disappointing start for new manager Graham Potter, who will need to regroup his squad after this setback as they look to improve their form in the league and cup competitions ahead.