Two Challengers Face Off: Chelsea vs. Villa | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s social media admin jokingly claimed that Manchester United fan Frank Illet, better known as the United Strand, could have had two haircuts in the past month had he been a supporter of the Villains. Illet has been patiently (and publicly) waiting for United to win five games in a row for some time. Villa’s victory over the Red Devils in their last outing, meanwhile, made it ten victories in a row in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side. 

It has been a remarkable upturn from Villa, having started the season without winning any of their first six games in all competitions. They have now lost just twice since September 25: a surprise Europa League defeat to Go Ahead Eagles and a league loss to Liverpool. 

But that record will be tested considerably over the festive period. Having endured a packed fixture schedule this season due to their participation in Europe, Villa will face Chelsea and Arsenal away in the space of four days in what could be a spell which defines their season. 

Villa’s win over United kept them within three points of the Gunners at the top of the table, and they go into their clash with the Blues seven points better off than their opponents. 

In a season where many had tipped Chelsea to take the next step and mount a serious title challenge, it is instead Villa who have looked the more likely challengers for Arsenal. 

A Surprising Challenger

If Chelsea are to stand any chance of halting the Villains’ remarkable run, then they will have to stop Morgan Rogers. The attacking midfielder has been in electric form, scoring both of his side’s goals in the 2-1 win over Manchester United, both trademark curling strikes into the top corner. He has netted four goals in his last two games, having also struck twice in the win over West Ham. 

“In the last week, Morgan Rogers is performing fantastically, but he has started the season not getting numbers but playing well,” Emery said after the win over United. “Always doing his task, always with the commitment he’s showing, with the attitude he has, played each match. Today he did the same and scored goals, of course. He is the protagonist.” 

“I’m so, so happy because he’s a fighter. He’s a good guy, very good guy. His commitment with Aston Villa is massive, and his attitude every day is really fantastic. And when he’s getting numbers like today, of course we are very proud of everybody, but especially today with him.” 

Rogers and Chelsea star Cole Palmer came through the Manchester City academy together. They even share the same ‘cold’ celebration, which Rogers has insisted he started using first. 

But Enzo Maresca will be hoping it is his own cool character that is instead the protagonist, and not Rogers, on December 27. Palmer has yet to hit top form since coming back from injury, and his side’s next clash would certainly be the time to do so, in order to help Chelsea close the gap on third.