THE NOTEBOOK: Julen Lopetegui can’t stop worrying West Ham trait despite major defensive investment, while Aston Villa’s new £50m star Andre Onana makes instant impact

Aston Villa made a winning start to the 2024-25 Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Jhon Duran’s 79th-minute strike sent the away end into delirium as Unai Emery‘s side secured a vital three points.

Amadou Onana had opened the scoring inside four minutes but West Ham answered back through Lucas Paqueta from the penalty spot.

The win marked Villa’s first victory away to West Ham since April 2011. 

Mail Sport’s Kathryn Batte was at the London Stadium to pick up the key bits you may have missed. 

Jhon Duran scored the winner for Aston Villa as they beat West Ham at the London Stadium

Lucas Paqueta cancelled out Amadou Onana’s opening goal when he scored a penalty

The Julen Lopetegui era at West Ham has not got off to the start the Hammers had hoped for

VAR drama follows Soucek… again 

Tomas Soucek was involved in the longest VAR check in Premier League history the last time Aston Villa came to the London Stadium. 

On that occasion, his injury-time winner was ruled out for handball. Soucek was involved in the drama again here, with the midfielder drawing a foul from Matty Cash to win his team a first-half penalty. 

This time, VAR was on his side, with the decision briefly checked but not overturned.

Tomas Soucek won a penalty for West Ham when he was brought down by Matty Cash

Worrying West Ham streak continues 

You have to go back as far as January for the last time West Ham kept a clean sheet in the Premier League, a 0-0 draw with Brighton. 

They have now gone 19 league games in a row without one. Julen Lopetegui has signed three defenders this summer but only one of them, Max Kilman, started Saturday’s game. 

It would not be a surprise to see Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo come into the starting XI for next weekend’s trip to Crystal Palace.

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has his work cut out for him to improve their defensive issues

£50m man makes his mark 

No club in Premier League history have had more debutants score than Aston Villa (27, level with Chelsea), with Amadou Onana the latest to mark his first game with a goal as he struck after just four minutes.

Onana made an immediate impact when he scored Villa’s opening goal inside four minutes

Hammers’ ticket gripe won’t subside despite full house 

Much has been made of West Ham’s increase in ticket prices this season and the removal of concessions. Many stayed away from last weekend’s pre-season friendly with Celta Vigo in protest, but the London Stadium was nearly full for Saturday’s clash. 

It’s worth noting the club relented on the removal of concessions for future games against Chelsea and Manchester City, though it will likely be an issue that continues to cause contention among supporters.

The London Stadium was nearly full for the season opener despite the recent controversy

Villa’s set pieces cause chaos 

Villa’s opening goal came from a set-piece and it’s clear they will continue to be a threat from them this season. Unai Emery’s side utilised long throws from Matty Cash and Lucas Digne any chance they got and caused the Hammers’ defence all sorts of problems from corners.