Jesse Lingard scored twice on his West Ham debut as the Hammers cruised past Aston Villa in the Premier League to strengthen their top-six hopes.
Manchester United loanee Lingard – making his first Premier League start in 13 months – netted West Ham’s second with a thunderous effort after 56 minutes.
And the 28-year-old doubled his tally in the closing stages after Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez failed to hold on to his strike.
Midfielder Tomas Soucek had put the visitors in front at Villa Park, finishing off Said Benrahma’s pass in the 51st minute.
Ollie Watkins gave Villa a glimmer of hope, making it 2-1 with nine minutes remaining, before Lingard’s second wrapped up the points for the Hammers.
Coming into this fixture, Lingard hadn’t played a Premier League match since the final day of last season, and had only made three cup appearances for his parent club this campaign.
But David Moyes put the midfielder into his starting line-up, and the England international showed his creativity from the off. No West Ham player had more shots or touches in the final third in the opening period.
Lingard, Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell all forced fine saves from Villa keeper Martinez in a first half dominated by the away side.
West Ham’s new number 11 fully deserved his first goal, striking the ball through the fingertips of Martinez moments after Soucek had broken the deadlock.
Villa defender Tyrone Mings completed an excellent goalline clearance to deny Antonio shortly after the hour mark.
And Lingard rounded off his superb debut, latching on to Antonio’s pass to restore his side’s two-goal advantage two minutes after the hosts had pulled a goal back.
BBC
