West Ham shot stopper Alphonse Areola believes a step up in work rate and greater collective mental strength are required if the club are to climb the Premier League table and pull clear of the bottom three.

Losing to Aston Villa was a bitter pill to swallow, it also hasn’t done the Hammers attempts to steer themselves away from trouble any favours. On the pitch, it was far from a bad day at the office in terms of the performance levels, particularly if compared to earlier in the season.

Mateus Fernandes put West Ham in front in less than a minute scoring the earliest goal of the 25/26 season so far. Frustratingly, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side’s lead lasted just seven minutes after an own goal from Konstantinos Mavropanos bought Unai Emery’s side back into the game.

A clever finish from club captain Jarrod Bowen gave the Hammers a 2-1 lead which they took with them into the half time break. Two second half goals from England international Morgan Rogers, one just five minutes after the restart, and a stunning strike from distance with ten minutes left to play meant Villa took all three points back to the West Midlands.

For West Ham, in a game where they were in front twice, to have come away with nothing will have been immensely frustrating, particularly when it keeps them stuck firmly in a relegation battle.

Speaking after the defeat, West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola told the Club’s official website: “Frustrating is the word. It was a frustrating game. We showed good things and unfortunately today wasn’t on our side, the score wasn’t for us and we have to work harder and stick together, that’s the main thing.” said Areola.

The Frenchman added: “”It’s up to us now to be stronger mentally, physically and ready for the next game.”

Looking ahead, Areola reiterated the need for unity and an immediate response. “As I said, we have to stick together, really push harder and just correct all the details that weren’t on our side.”