‘It was a much-improved performance’ – David Moyes remains optimistic despite frustrating draw against Aston Villa

West Ham United manager David Moyes says his side were unfortunate not to grab maximum points against Aston Villa following their 1-1 Premier League draw at the London Stadium.

The Hammers put in an inspired performance against the Villans just four days from their European triumph over AEK Larnaca in Cyprus while showing no signs of fatigue despite the hectic schedule.

Ollie Watkins put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, but Said Benrahma, who put in a man-of-the-match performance for the Hammers, restored parity from the penalty spot before the half-hour mark.

An end-to-end second half saw both sides go at it looking for a winner, but neither prevailed. The result frustrated Moyes, but the Scotsman was pleased with his side’s display.

“I thought we had done enough to get a result today,” Moyes said (via whufc.com) after the game.

“We just needed someone to connect cleanly or somebody to get their head on one of the corners cleanly so we could get a goal from it.”

“But, look, it was a much-improved performance from the last couple of games, and I’m pleased with the players for that. I thought we were the better team in that second half and unfortunate not to get that win.”

Moyes has been treading a thin line for much of the campaign, with his side struggling to distance themselves from the relegation zone.

The draw at home lifted them out of the bottom three thanks to their goal difference as they remain level on points with 18th-placed Bournemouth.

On the bright side, a point also sees them extend an impressive home unbeaten run to four games, winning and drawing two each.

With seven more games left to play in front of their fans, the Hammers will feel confident about accumulating enough points to survive the relegation battle.