New boss Lopetegui insists Hammers will do better this season despite opening day defeat to lively Aston Villa

West Ham United 1 Aston Villa 2

The first green shoots of possibility under Julen Lopetegui are still to be fully unearthed, following West Ham's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the London Stadium.

The Hammers hoped to secure a victory on the opening day of the Premier League campaign for their new Spanish manager, but were undone by Villa who took advantage on the counter attack. An early goal from Amadou Onana and a winner twelve minutes from the end from Jhon Duran brought all three points back to Birmingham. Lucas Paqueta had levelled from the penalty spot in the first half, but Lopetegui was to taste defeat against his compatriot, Unai Emery.

It was a special day for Jarrod Bowen, the new West Ham captain and a popular choice among the supporters. Despite defeat here, there should be better days with the striker wearing the armband. Moreover with the east Londoners having spent around £135m on a clutch of new players over the close season.

Much is expected, for example, from the likes of Niclas Fullkrug, the £27m German striker, snapped up from Borussia Dortmund and Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, the latter appearing lively on occasion when coming on in the second half.

Villa, though, were just that little bit more threatening when driving forward; a particular attribute which served them so well during their run to fourth place last season and, a passage to the group stages of the new look Champions League.

This should be an era of enticement in east London, with Lopetegui, the former Sevilla coach, and this clash, under the gaze of West Ham's opening evening of Premier League action, got off to the worst possible start when Villa took the lead after just four minutes.

Powerful

In a clearly well rehearsed move, a corner from Youri Tielemans was met with a powerful close range header by Onana, leaving West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola with no chance. It was a stunning introduction to life with Villa for Onana, making his debut since a £50m move from Everton.

Leon Bailey should have doubled the lead for the Midlands outfit when he rounded Areola before striking the post with West Ham lacking assertiveness for large parts of the first half.

However, in the 35th minute, West Ham won a penalty, despite a hitherto obvious lethargy. And Paqueta levelled, the Brazilian calmly despatching the spot kick after Tomas Soucek was bundled over by Villa full back Matty Cash.

Lopetegui said: "We are unhappy as we lost against a big team in Aston Villa, a Champions League team. I think when you lose you are sad - I feel the expectation for our fans.

"We tried and we have to keep the good things we did. We were very aggressive in the high press. But we have to improve.

"We had good moments in the match after conceding in the worst possible way. We improved after a little confusion and finished the first half better than them."

He added: "In the last moments we risked a lot and suffered. For sure we can do better.

"We have a lot of new players and some arrived very late. We have to manage this with some not ready to play ninety minutes. It is an opportunity here for the new players. Step by step we have to help them to adapt. The next challenge now is Crystal Palace."

Outwitted

Emery's outfit went ahead slightly against the run of play in the 78th minute. A couple of first time passes outwitted the Hammers' rear guard before Villa substitute Duran tucked the ball impressively under Areola.

The Villans were, unsurprisingly, revived with the rather insurgent manner of the goal and with their keeper Emiliano Martinez denying a fine header by West Ham substitute Danny Ings, they managed to see out the remainder of the contest.

"We try to be consistent in 38 matches and the players focused very well in the match", said Villa chief Emery. "I am very happy and we deserved to win. "

It could be argued West Ham were a little unfortunate overall, but it will certainly take time for Lopetegui's new recruits to settle into life in east London.

The new boss will spend the week helping his squad recover ahead of their second Premier League fixture, across London to Palace next Saturday.