Jhon Duran goal was written in stars but work in progress West Ham can finish above Aston Villa

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The moment Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran did the crossed Hammers on social media West Ham fans should have known this moment was coming.

Hammers fans were excited when Aston Villa’s wantaway striker Jhon Duran did the West Ham gesture on an Instagram live video a few weeks back.

West Ham were locked in talks with Villa over a deal for the frustrated Colombian.

And the 20-year-old’s actions appeared to confirm he wanted the move.

They did of course infuriate Aston Villa’s fans.

Fast forward to the opening game of the season and Duran, still at Villa despite West Ham’s reported continued interest, comes on and nets late on to seal a 2-1 victory.

Such is the fickle nature of modern football, Villa fans of course went wild as he ran to celebrate with them.

Duran goal was written in stars after Hammers gesture

West Ham’s defending has followed an all too familiar pattern in pre-season in that is has been abject.

That was the case again for both Villa goals either side of Lucas Paqueta’s penalty.

Max Kilman was excellent but there have been big question marks over Vladimir Coufal and Konstantinos Mavropanos.

And it’s clear to see why.

With a new manager, new philosophy and eight new players who have barely met let alone played together, facing Villa was always going to be a tough task for the Hammers.

But make no mistake there was not a lot in this game. At all.

The Duran goal was written in stars but work in progress West Ham can finish above Aston Villa.

Work in progress West Ham can finish above Villa

It’s always disappointing to start the season with a defeat, particularly at home.

There was plenty to be positive about, though.

Aston Villa are one of the better sides Julen Lopetegui’s team will face this season.

But West Ham fans should not get too down about this defeat.

Because one look at the key statistics show Lopetegui is already making massive inroads when it comes to changing how West Ham play.

Yes it’s not as slick, smooth and cohesive as West Ham fans might want it to be just yet. But there is plenty of promise.

West Ham enjoyed more possession than Villa – 52% to 48% – when was the last time the Hammers did that?

Lopetegui’s side had 14 shots to Villa’s 15 and the same number of shots on target – three.

West Ham also completed more passes than Aston Villa – 400 to their 395.

Progress already and so many positives for West Ham

Hammers fans who took notice of those essential statistics under David Moyes will know how rare this is.

It is a clear sign of progress already. And West Ham aren’t even getting going yet.

This is a work in progress that needs at least 10 games before we even begin to cast any judgements.

A draw would have been a fair result against Villa – a Champions League team.

The wider football press will be queueing up to jump all over Lopetegui. Especially after the raft of signings.

But there was enough evidence here to suggest West Ham can be a better side than Villa when Lopetegui gets his best side gelling together.

There is absolutely no reason, with a fair wind, the Hammers cannot build momentum and finish above Unai Emery’s side.

Especially with their added burden of Champions League football.

Guido Rodriguez looked classy. And when Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug and Crysencio Summerville – who all impressed in cameos – come into the side, West Ham will be transformed.

Let alone when Edson Alvarez is back too.

As journalist Guillem Balague said this week, West Ham fans must show patience with Lopetegui and they will be richly rewarded.

The wider football press will have the knives out ready but Hammers supporters must suffer the early bumps in the road and they’ll soon be cruising.