Villa edge five-goal thriller against West Ham to enhance title credentials

Morgan Rogers scored a brace to keep Aston Villa firmly in the Premier League title chase with a 3-2 comeback win at West Ham.

- ANDy SIMSPA

Villa fell behind twice, to Mateus Fernandes's goal after just 29 seconds and a poacher's strike from Jarrod Bowen.

But a Konstantinos Mavropanos own-goal cancelled out the opener and Rogers hauled Villa level at 2-2, before the England midfielder capped a sparkling performance with a stunning 25-yarder.

A 10th victory from 11 matches, Villa's best run in more than a century, keeps them three points behind leaders Arsenal, while West Ham remain stuck in the relegation zone.

Before kickoff, the hosts paid an emotional tribute to their former captain, manager and record-appearance holder Billy Bonds, who died two weeks ago.

Ex-Hammers teammates, including Sir Trevor Brooking and Alvin Martin, were on the pitch while, in front of the stand named after Bonds, hung an image of him lifting the FA Cup.