When Graham Potter, head coach of West Ham United, saw his side fall 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park on 10 January 2025, the drama of the FA Cup unfolded in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round.
The match, part of the Emirates FA Cup Third RoundVilla Park, marked Graham Potter’s first appearance as West Ham’s head coach and a chance for Unai Emery to showcase his tactical adjustments in his 26th league season with Aston Villa.
First‑half: West Ham’s early dominance
It didn’t take long for the Hammers to assert themselves. In the ninth minute, Lucas Paquetá curled a low‑driven ball from the edge of the box into the top left corner, leaving Villa’s keeper, Brad Pope, stranded. The goal was a textbook example of timing and precision, and it gave West Ham a 1‑0 cushion that they defended with gusto.
Statistically, West Ham controlled 58 % of possession and registered eight shots, three on target, before the break. Villa, on the other hand, mustered only two clear‑cut chances and struggled to get a single foot on target. The first‑half narrative was clear: Potter’s side were organized, compact, and hungry for a cup upset.
Second‑half turnaround: Villa’s five‑minute blitz
Half‑time brought a noticeable shift. Unai Emery, known for his keen eye for set‑piece opportunities, instructed his players to press higher and exploit the flanks. The change paid dividends within the first five minutes of the second half.
At the 50th minute, a corner from the right was whipped in by Ben Deere. The ball ricocheted off a cluster of players and landed at the feet of Amadou Onana, who flicked it past the advancing defender and slot‑finished to level the scores at 1‑1. Onana later laughed, "It felt like a lucky bounce, but you have to be ready when it comes your way."
Just three minutes later, Villa’s momentum surged. Ollie Watkins pressed high, forced a clearance, and threaded a perfect ball between the lines to Morgan Rogers. Watkins, instead of taking the shot himself, laid the ball off with an effortless touch, allowing Rogers to turn and finish low‑right from six yards. The goal, his seventh of the campaign, put Villa 2‑1 up and sent the Villa Park crowd into a frenzy.
Villa finished the second half with 12 shots, seven on target, and a possession rate that rose to 55 %, illustrating a dramatic swing in performance.
Managerial tactics and reactions
Post‑match, Unai Emery praised his side’s adaptability: "We knew we had to change the rhythm. The half‑time talk was about being more aggressive, using the width, and trusting the players to take chances. The guys responded brilliantly."
Graham Potter, on the other hand, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the league run‑in: "It’s a tough way to start my tenure, especially in a cup. We need to regroup, focus on the Premier League, and learn from the moments we gave away in the second half."
Football analyst James Miller noted, "Villa’s second‑half resurgence was a textbook case of using set‑pieces as a catalyst. West Ham’s defensive shape collapsed after the goal, giving Villa the space to exploit."
Implications for both clubs
West Ham’s exit from the FA Cup narrows their focus to a Premier League survival battle. With only 14 matches left in the season, the Hammers will need to climb the table quickly to avoid a relegation scrap.
Aston Villa, now through to the fourth round, face a potential tie against either Manchester United or Sheffield United, depending on the draw. The victory reinforces Emery’s belief that his side can manage high‑pressure games, a confidence boost ahead of the busy winter schedule.
Looking ahead: What’s next?
- West Ham’s next league fixture: vs. Chelsea on 14 January 2025 – a must‑win for Potter.
- Aston Villa’s potential fourth‑round opponent will be decided after the draw on 12 January 2025.
- Both managers are expected to rotate squads to manage fatigue, with Emery likely to keep the midfield core intact after the comeback.
The drama at Villa Park underscores the unpredictable nature of cup football – a single set‑piece can rewrite the script, and managerial tweaks can turn a loss into triumph within minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this defeat affect West Ham’s Premier League campaign?
The loss removes any cup distraction, forcing Graham Potter to concentrate solely on league points. With 14 games left, West Ham must secure at least eight more wins to climb out of the relegation zone, making every fixture critical.
What tactical changes did Unai Emery implement at halftime?
Emery shifted to a higher press, introduced quicker transitions from defense, and emphasized exploiting set‑pieces. The inclusion of Ben Deere’s delivery from the corner and Watkins’ incisive passing were direct results of those adjustments.
Who were the key players in Villa’s comeback?
Amadou Onana equalised, Morgan Rogers sealed the win, and Ollie Watkins provided the decisive assist. Ben Deere’s corner delivery also played a pivotal role, while the midfield, led by John McGinn, supplied the energy needed for the second‑half surge.
What does Aston Villa’s progression mean for their season?
Advancing to the fourth round keeps Villa’s cup hopes alive and adds morale-boosting momentum. It also gives Unai Emery a platform to showcase squad depth ahead of the congested fixture list, potentially easing league pressure.
When is the next FA Cup round draw?
The fourth‑round draw is scheduled for 12 January 2025, with the fixtures to be confirmed shortly after. Villa will learn their next opponent then.
andy heri
October 5, 2025 AT 22:14What a swing in momentum, absolutely love seeing a team rally like that – truly a testament to the coach’s halftime pep talk and the lads’ belief. Props to Emery for tweaking the shape, and kudos to the players for executing. It’s moments like these that remind us why cup football is magical.
Jeremy Perlman
October 5, 2025 AT 23:37Honestly!!! This game was a textbook case of why tactical flexibility matters – the stats were glaring, the possession shift, the shot count, all right there. West Ham’s early dominance? Overrated. Villa’s second‑half press? Spot on!!