Aston Villa moved into the Premier League top four on Sunday after Morgan Rogers scored twice to lead a strong second half comeback that sealed a 2 1 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
The forward delivered two composed finishes that overturned an early setback and continued Villa’s growing momentum this season.
Rogers who has frequently been selected this season by England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham had scored only once before this match. His two goals arrived at a crucial time as Villa extended their impressive run after failing to win any of their opening five league fixtures.
Leeds struck first after a chaotic moment in the Villa box. Emi Martinez appealed for a foul when Anton Stach challenged him for a high ball but play continued and Ezri Konsa’s attempted clearance rebounded off Lukas Nmecha and into the net. Martinez later redeemed himself with a sharp save to prevent Brenden Aaronson from doubling the home side’s advantage.
Villa returned from the break with renewed intensity and were level within three minutes. Unai Emery introduced Donyell Malen at half time and the change immediately paid off as the Dutch winger’s cross was flicked neatly into the far corner by Rogers at the near post. The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Villa’s favour.
Rogers then completed the turnaround with a superb free kick from the edge of the box that dipped beyond Lucas Perri, giving Villa a deserved lead as Leeds struggled to maintain their earlier energy. The finish capped what was described in the match report as “a brilliant effort from the 23 year old.”
Leeds thought they had equalised almost instantly but Dominic Calvert Lewin’s effort was ruled out for handball. Martinez later produced another strong save to stop Pascal Struijk’s low drive, allowing Villa to hold on for all three points and leaving Leeds stuck inside the relegation zone.
