Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has declared that Aston Villa must now be viewed as serious contenders for the Premier League title following their stunning run of form.
Villa's Remarkable Surge Into Contention
Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, Aston Villa have mounted an extraordinary comeback from a difficult start to the season. They head into the festive period as the division's form team, currently riding a nine-game winning streak across all competitions. This impressive sequence has propelled them to within just three points of league leaders Arsenal.
Their momentum was severely tested last weekend in a dramatic encounter at West Ham United's London Stadium. The Hammers took the lead twice through Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen, with a Konstantinos Mavropanos own goal offering Villa a lifeline. However, a second-half brace from the inspired Morgan Rogers secured a vital 3-2 comeback victory for the visitors, keeping their charge firmly on track.
The Crucial 'Advantage' Held by Manchester City
While Ferdinand is convinced of Villa's credentials, he pinpointed a significant factor that could decide the destination of the trophy. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, he highlighted the unique edge possessed by the reigning champions.
"My only concern with them if we're comparing them with Arsenal and Manchester City… City are the only ones with experience of winning and know how to do it so that puts them at an advantage," Ferdinand stated.
He expanded on this by comparing squad depth, noting that both City and Arsenal have robust options. He pointed out that even with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, Arsenal can call upon alternatives like Viktor Gyokeres. In contrast, he expressed concern over Villa's reliance on key individuals. "If Ollie Watkins gets injured then they could be bang in trouble. If Morgan Rogers gets injured, who hit two at the weekend, then they're bang in trouble," he warned.
Morgan Rogers: The Emerging Key for Villa
The analysis of Villa's hopes consistently returns to the impact of Morgan Rogers, last season's PFA Young Player of the Year. Ferdinand echoed fellow pundit Jamie Carragher's view that the England international will be "key" to any sustained title challenge.
Ferdinand lavished praise on Rogers' all-round game, highlighting his ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, turn, and drive at defenders. "If he ups those numbers and stats, I think we're dealing with a player that can compete on a world level," Ferdinand asserted, suggesting that improved goal and assist output would elevate him to the global elite.
He also emphasised how Rogers' form has transformed Villa's attacking threat. "Normally in those moments, Villa in the last two or three years have been looking to one player, Ollie Watkins... Rogers seems to be morphing into that mode now which could make it terrifying for opponents," Ferdinand added, suggesting the player could even force his way into England's plans for the summer.
With Villa sitting just one point behind second-placed Manchester City and three off top spot, their next test is a headline clash at home to Manchester United. According to Ferdinand's assessment, they will enter that fixture not as plucky underdogs, but as genuine contenders in a gripping three-way title battle, albeit with Pep Guardiola's experienced City side holding a psychological upper hand.
