Unai Emery’s Aston Villa simply refuse to lose. Yesterday’s thrilling 3-2 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium was perhaps the ultimate showcase of their title credentials, driven by a man rapidly becoming their indispensable star: Morgan Rogers.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder netted a spectacular second-half brace, overturning a 2-1 half-time deficit and keeping Villa within touching distance of Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Twice Trailing, Twice Turning the Tide
The match started in the worst possible way for the Villans, with West Ham scoring just 29 seconds in.
Villa fought back, only for Jarrod Bowen to restore the Hammers' lead before halftime. The stage was set for a classic Emery team talk and a moment of individual genius.
Goal 1: The Equaliser (50th Minute)
Rogers fired Villa level early in the second half. After a charging run by Youri Tielemans and a well-delivered cross, Rogers showed immense composure to take a touch, turn, and slot the ball past the goalkeeper, instantly settling the away side's nerves.
Goal 2: The Winner (79th Minute)
This was the goal that will live long in the memory. Receiving the ball with space outside the box, Rogers took a calculated risk and unleashed aphenomenal, dipping, long-range strike that flew into the top corner. It was a goal of technique, confidence, and sheer audacity that secured the 3-2 comeback victory.
The Stats Speak Volumes
This result marks Aston Villa’s ninth consecutive victory across all competitions, an astonishing run that has solidified their position in the top three of the Premier League and firmly in the title conversation.
Nine Wins in a Row: A club record in the modern era.
Three Points Off Top: Villa are now just three points behind the league leaders, Arsenal.
Rogers Stepping Up: With the constant rotation required by European football, Rogers has moved from an exciting prospect to an essential match-winner, scoring five goals in the league this season.
Emery’s New 'Postman'
For so long, the Villa attack was defined by Ollie Watkins and John McGinn. Now, Morgan Rogers is entering that elite category.
His ability to connect the midfield and attack seamlessly, coupled with his flair for the spectacular, is what allows Villa to win games when the established stars are quiet.
As Unai Emery has repeatedly insisted, talk of a title challenge may be premature, but if players like Morgan Rogers continue to step up and deliver match-winning performances against tough opponents, the "unlikely" title push will soon become undeniable.
What do you think is a more important element of Villa's success: Emery's tactics or the individual brilliance of players like Rogers?