Emery Hopes Duran Stays at Villa After West Ham Victory

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery expressed his desire for striker Jhon Duran to remain with the club following his impactful performance against West Ham. Duran, who had been a target for the Hammers this summer, came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory, marking a challenging start for West Ham's new manager, Julen Lopetegui. The Hammers opted for Germany's Niclas Fullkrug instead, a decision that proved costly as Duran's late strike sealed the win. Emery praised Duran's potential and contributions, stating, “We believe in him and his potential.” He emphasized the importance of Duran's role in the team and acknowledged the need to learn from past mistakes. While the club remains open to offers for players, Emery made it clear that he does not want Duran to leave, highlighting the striker's value to the squad. West Ham's summer spending spree, which included eight new signings, was overshadowed by Villa's new acquisition, Amadou Onana, who scored early in the match. Lucas Paqueta equalized for West Ham with a penalty before Duran's late goal secured the victory for Villa. Lopetegui reflected on the match, acknowledging the need for improvement while recognizing the contributions of all players involved. The match not only showcased Duran's talent but also set the stage for a competitive Premier League season ahead, with both teams looking to build on their performances.