Morgan Rogers brace seals Aston Villa comeback in 2-1 win
Aston Villa produced a classy second-half turnaround to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road.
The victory not only earned Villa three important Premier League points, but also propelled them into the top four.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce explores the key moments from the intense battle between the two sides.
First half: Leeds start strong
Leeds drew first blood early in the game.
In the eighth minute, Lukas Nmecha bundled home after Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez failed to fully deal with a cross, and amid a scramble at the back, Nmecha forced the ball over the line.
Initially, the referee disallowed the goal, but after a lengthy VAR review, it was confirmed.
That goal gave Leeds momentum, and for a time, they looked in control.
Their energy and intensity in the first half made life difficult for Villa, who struggled to break through until the break.
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Turning point: Second half surge
Unai Emery made bold changes at half-time, bringing on Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen, a switch that would prove decisive.
Within just three minutes of the restart, Villa were level.
Malen delivered a precise cross, and Morgan Rogers cleverly flicked it into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.
That goal seemed to lift Villa’s confidence and momentum.
The winner: A beauty from the free-kick
The winning moment came in the 75th minute. Villa won a free-kick just outside the box after Ross Barkley was fouled by Pascal Struijk.
Rogers stepped up and curled a stunning, dipping free-kick over the wall, past the keeper Lucas Perri, to send Villa’s travelling fans into raptures.
The technique of the free-kick was very similar to Emi Bunedia’s against Bournemouth a few weeks ago.
Both players must have been on the training pitch practising together.
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Late drama: Leeds denied equaliser
Not content to lie down, Leeds pushed hard for a late equaliser.
They thought they had one when Dan James' cross-shot was turned in by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but VAR intervened, and the goal was ruled out for a handball.
Villa’s goalkeeper Martínez then made a crucial save from a Pascal Struijk header, preserving the lead and securing the win.
What this means for Villa
The victory marks Villa’s sixth win in their last seven Premier League games, underlining a rich vein of form.
With the win, Villa climbed into the top four, putting them in strong contention for a European place.
For Morgan Rogers, this match could define his season: his brace came at just the right moment, and his talent for set-pieces was on full display.
Unai Emery’s substitutions paid off handsomely, especially his decision to introduce Malen early in the second half.
In summary, this was a vintage Villa comeback with them being composed, confident, and clinical when it mattered.
It’s a statement win for Emery’s side, and one that could define their season’s trajectory.
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