In a thrilling Premier League encounter, Nicolo Zaniolo’s late goal secured a valuable point for Aston Villa in their quest for Champions League qualification, as they drew 1-1 against West Ham at the London Stadium.
The match started with West Ham taking the lead through Michail Antonio’s well-executed diving header in the 29th minute, marking his first Premier League goal since August. However, Villa fought back, and Zaniolo equalized with a skillful finish from Moussa Diaby’s cut-back into the box, notching his second league goal for the club.
Antonio thought he had doubled his tally shortly after the break, but his goal was ruled out for handball. Similarly, Tomas Soucek’s late effort for West Ham was also disallowed after a VAR check for handball.
Despite the draw, West Ham remains in seventh place, while Aston Villa sits comfortably in the Champions League spots, three points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham. The result keeps both teams’ European dreams alive as the Premier League season heads towards its conclusion.
