BIRMINGHAM: Unai Emery has urged his Aston Villa side to chase their dreams this season after beating West Ham 4-1 and falling just two points behind the Premier League’s top four.
Douglas Luiz scored twice while Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey also found the target in Villa’s 11th straight league win at home.
Villa have surged since Emery took over just over a year ago, with only Manchester City and Arsenal picking up more Premier League points this year.
Villa are currently fifth in the league, but not far behind leaders City.
“One of our dreams is to at least qualify for the European championship for the second season in a row.
“Playing on the European stage is very important and we have to work to get it. We have to be consistent in what we do,” said Emery whose squad is competing in the European Conference League this season.
Luiz became the first Villa player to score in six consecutive league games at home when he opened the scoring in the 30th minute.
He beat West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for the second time from the penalty spot early in the second half after Edson Alvarez fouled Ezri Konsa.
Jarrod Bowen closed the gap for West Ham five minutes later for his 100th career goal.
However, the Hammers’ chances of continuing their comeback were blocked by Watkins who scored Villa’s third goal, and his eighth of the season.
Bailey, who was brought on with 15 minutes left in the game, added to the suffering of David Moyes’ men with Villa’s fourth goal.