Bowen urges greater resolve as West Hams relegation struggle intensifies

Strikes from John McGinn and Ollie Watkins before and after the interval bolstered Villas drive towards Champions League spots, while leaving the away side stuck in the drop zone. West Ham sit 18th with 29 points from 31 outings, their room to manoeuvre dwindling further.

In the scrap to avoid the drop, Tottenham Hotspur, just one point clear of danger in 17th, suffered a 3-0 home defeat against fellow battlers Nottingham Forest.

"Regardless of the result today, we have to focus on ourselves," Bowen told Sky Sports.

"We go into the break and then come back for a big end to the season. You have to hold your hands up and say they were better than us on the day, thats horrible to admit, but we just werent at the races for whatever reason.

"We feel like we are still in a good place, we cant let this put down all the work we have done to get here. It has not been a good season at all for us, but we have to keep fighting to stay in the Premier League."

Following the international hiatus, West Ham welcome Leeds United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on April 5th prior to resuming Premier League action with a crucial encounter versus basement dwellers Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 10th.

Watkins returns in style

For Villa, Watkins goal provided additional positivity after a tough spell. The forward had been left out of Thomas Tuchels 35man England selection for this months World Cup preparation friendlies due to a form slump.

The 30yearold hit back by scoring his 10th goal across 43 appearances in all competitions this term.

"He is a fighter," Villa boss Unai Emery said to the BBC. "He is always doing his tasks, and doing his tasks I am always delighted with him. Then its numbers. Today he scored, but he must be consistent in his mentality to do his tasks and get his numbers.

"To be in the national team it is something every player wants but he must continue working and give the coach trouble (picking) for the next World Cup."