Rogers Double Inspires Aston Villa Comeback in Five-Goal Thriller Against West Ham
Aston Villa showcased resilience and attacking flair as they twice came from behind to defeat West Ham United 3-2 at the London Stadium, securing back-to-back away wins over the Hammers for the first time since December 1996. The victory extended Villa’s winning streak to nine matches in all competitions and kept them firmly in the Premier League title race, just three points behind leaders Arsenal.
The evening began with a tribute to West Ham legend Billy Bonds, and the hosts struck almost immediately after kick-off. Within 29 seconds, Mateus Fernandes dispossessed Ezri Konsa and fired past Marco Bizot from a tight angle, registering the fastest goal in the league this season. Villa responded swiftly, leveling in the ninth minute when Konstantinos Mavropanos inadvertently headed John McGinn’s cross into his own net under pressure from Ollie Watkins.
Despite Villa’s control of possession, West Ham regained the lead midway through the first half. A handball appeal was waved away, but the Hammers kept the attack alive, and Jarrod Bowen reacted sharply to redirect Freddie Potts’ effort into the net. The hosts looked dangerous through Crysencio Summerville, who drew fouls from Boubacar Kamara and Matty Cash, while Morgan Rogers nearly equalized with a curling effort before the break.
Rogers did find the equalizer just five minutes into the second half, calmly finishing Youri Tielemans’ cross past Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the line. Both sides continued to trade blows, with Tielemans and Kamara blocking ambitious efforts from El Hadji Malick Diouf and Fernandes, while substitute Donyell Malen forced a strong save from Alphonse Areola. Bowen thought he had restored West Ham’s advantage, but his strike was ruled out for offside.
The decisive moment arrived in the 80th minute when Rogers unleashed a stunning long-range strike that flew past Areola, completing his brace and sealing the comeback. He nearly capped his performance with a hat-trick late on, but his effort drifted wide.
Villa’s triumph not only highlighted Rogers’ growing influence but also underlined their momentum under Unai Emery. West Ham, meanwhile, remain winless in five league matches and are stuck in the relegation zone, with pressure mounting on their campaign. For Villa, the result was another statement of intent as they continue to chase Arsenal at the summit.