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It's been a good first half for West Ham at a breezy Villa Park this afternoon - albeit one without a goal.

The Hammers have enjoyed the better chances in a fairly even half but failed to make the most of them - the problem for much of the season so far.

With Matt Jarvis and Stewart Downing enjoying the freedom of Villa Park on the flanks, West Ham have threatened to open the scoring on several occasions - although neither side managed a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

James Tomkins threatened early on when he nodded a Downing corner narrowly wide whilst under pressure - and Carlton Cole wriggled though on goal just four minutes later before wasting the opportunity.

But West Ham's best chance of the half fell to Downing midway through the half; the winger somehow managed to miss a perfectly weighted centre from Matt Jarvis, who had been set free by a clever defence-splitting pass from Mark Noble with the goal gaping in front of him.

Jarvis himself had a couple of chances as Villa's creaking defence was opened up time and time again but Brad Guzan, in the Villa goal was equal to anything the former Wolves wide man threw at him.

At the other end Adrian enjoyed a quiet half with only Ashley Westwood's volley in the closing stages of the half - which the midfielder fired inches wide of Adrian's post -causing any concern.

We'll have more for you at the final whistle...


Aston Villa vs West Ham Utd: How They Lined Up

West Ham Utd: Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Collins, McCartney, Nolan (c), Noble, Taylor, Jarvis, C.Cole, Downing.

Subs: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Armero, Collison, Johnson, Borriello, Nocerino.

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bertrand, Bacuna, Westwood, Delph, Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Steer, El Ahmadi, Sylla, Helenius, Albrighton, Holt, Bennett.

Referee: Mike Dean.

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