Aston Villa came from behind twice to beat West Ham 3-2, moving within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal
ASTON VILLA manager Unai Emery hailed his team’s ambition after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over West Ham United kept their Premier League title challenge alive on Sunday.
Villa moved to within three points of leaders Arsenal thanks to a Morgan Rogers double at the London Stadium.
The club has not won the English top-flight title since the 1980-81 season.
Emery’s side recovered from a poor start to the campaign and now enter the festive period with genuine hopes of catching Arsenal.
“Our start was poor, two times we were behind but how they responded and how we achieved those three points is how we are as a team,” Emery said.
The manager praised his squad for being ambitious, responsible, and organised in their structure.
Villa suffered an immediate setback as Mateus Fernandes scored after just 29 seconds, the fastest Premier League goal this season.
A Konstantinos Mavropanos own-goal levelled the score before Jarrod Bowen put West Ham back in front.
England midfielder Rogers then equalised before sealing the win with a spectacular 25-yard strike in the 79th minute.
Emery commended Rogers for his tactical work and growing influence on the pitch.
“He is growing up so quick and performing better because physically, he is strong and his mentality is huge,” the manager added.
Villa have now won 10 of their last 11 league matches after failing to win any of their first five.
Rogers, however, dismissed immediate title talk, focusing instead on maintaining consistency.
“People were talking about relegation before so we are not talking about that,” the 23-year-old said. – AFP
