Are Aston Villa Genuine Title Challengers After Stunning Comeback Against West Ham?

Aston Villa triumphed over West Ham with a score of 3-2.

At the beginning of the Premier League season, the title race seemed to be a contest primarily between reigning champions Liverpool and Arsenal. As the season progressed, Arsenal emerged as the frontrunner, while Chelsea and Manchester City also entered the mix. Chelsea’s four-game winless streak narrowed the contenders down to Arsenal and City. However, as the holiday season approaches, Aston Villa, under the management of Unai Emery, has made an impressive case for themselves by winning 10 of their last 11 matches.

Aston Villa’s resurgence seems improbable when reflecting on their struggles just a few months back, where they struggled to find the net, let alone secure victories. After their first five matches, they found themselves in the relegation zone, and calls for Emery’s dismissal were loud. However, Emery urged for patience, stating that while they needed goals, the team was improving – “A point that doesn’t shine, yes, we need goals, but a point that strengthens us and our spirit,” he remarked on X.com. “We’re working well and we’ll soon improve. The first stone of a magnificent construction never catches the attention of spectators, but it’s essential.”

Villa’s recent form isn’t just pleasing their fans; it’s also entertaining neutral spectators. Highlights of their run include a 2-1 win against Arsenal, a thrilling 4-3 victory at Brighton, and their comeback against West Ham, culminating in a 3-2 win on December 14. Morgan Rogers, previously goal-less for the first five matches, has returned to form and netted two crucial goals in this latest outing.

Rogers has now scored five goals and provided three assists in his last ten Premier League appearances, aligning with Villa’s impressive turnaround. Youri Tielemans’ return from a calf injury has strengthened their midfield, while Ollie Watkins has finally regained his goal-scoring touch. Even right-back Matty Cash has contributed important goals.

Rogers is making significant strides toward becoming a staple in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, further motivating him to maintain his impressive form. Additionally, Villa has already faced tough matches away at Anfield and the Emirates this season, getting those challenging encounters against top teams out of the way.

Could Aston Villa be the dark horses in this title race? With Arsenal appearing fatigued and Liverpool struggling with consistency, Villa’s impressive record of ten wins from eleven games positions them as a serious contender. The pressing question remains: how can Emery navigate his team through the challenging festive period ahead?