Morgan Rogers scores twice as Aston Villa come from behind to beat West Ham 3-2, extending their winning run to nine matches in all competitions.
Aston Villa extended their remarkable run with a 3-2 win away at West Ham. Morgan Rogers scored twice in the second half to complete another comeback. The result makes it nine straight wins in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side. Villa stay third in the table, just three points behind leaders Arsenal. West Ham remain in the bottom three after another damaging defeat.
West Ham could not have started better at London Stadium. Mateus Fernandes scored after just 29 seconds, the fastest Premier League goal this season. He dispossessed Ezri Konsa before firing into the roof of the net. The early goal lifted the home crowd. Villa looked rattled and struggled to settle. Emery’s side needed a response quickly.
Villa drew level in the ninth minute. John McGinn’s in-swinging cross caused chaos in the box. Konstantinos Mavropanos turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Ollie Watkins. Despite dominating possession, Villa lacked threat. They failed to register a shot on target before the break. West Ham remained dangerous on transitions.
West Ham regained the advantage midway through the first half. Freddie Potts’ shot was diverted home by Jarrod Bowen. The goal was Bowen’s latest decisive contribution for the Hammers as he continues to lead by example. Villa went into halftime trailing 2-1. They had managed only one late effort from Rogers before the whistle. Emery demanded more urgency.
Villa improved immediately after the restart. Five minutes into the second half, Rogers struck to make it 2-2. He finished calmly after West Ham failed to clear Tielemans’ low cross. The game opened up after the equaliser. Bowen had a goal ruled out for offside. Both sides pushed for a winner.
With 11 minutes remaining, Rogers delivered the decisive moment. He unleashed a powerful strike from distance into the top corner. Alphonse Areola had no chance. It was Rogers’ fifth league goal of the season. The strike capped a superb individual display. Villa led for the first time all afternoon.
Villa have now won 10 of their last 11 league games. They remain the division’s most in-form side since late September. Rogers was named player of the match after his brace. Bowen was West Ham’s biggest threat and reached 100 Premier League goal involvements for the club. However, the Hammers have now conceded multiple goals at home seven times this season. West Ham sit three points from safety. Defensive lapses continue to undermine their performances.
West Ham face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Saturday, December 20th. They urgently need points to escape the relegation zone. Aston Villa return to Villa Park to host Manchester United on Sunday, December 21st. Emery’s side head into that fixture full of confidence.
