Rogers Inspires Villa's Elland Road Turnaround
Aston Villa climbed into the Premier League's top four after a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Leeds United at a packed Elland Road. The hosts took an early lead, but a second-half masterclass from Morgan Rogers, who scored both goals, sealed a crucial three points for Unai Emery's side.
Leeds Strike First in Controversial Fashion
The match began in the worst possible way for the visitors. In the eighth minute, Leeds broke the deadlock in a moment Villa will feel was particularly unfortunate. Sean Longstaff delivered a cross to the back post, where Gabriel Gudmundsson kept the ball in play. Aerial confusion followed between goalkeeper Emi Martinez and Anton Stach, and after Ezri Konsa's attempted clearance on the line, the ball rebounded off Lukas Nmecha and trickled over the line.
Villa struggled to find their rhythm after the early setback, with Leeds effectively absorbing pressure. The first real chance for the visitors came in the 27th minute when Matty Cash found Ollie Watkins with a cross, but the striker's header was deflected wide. Martinez was then called into action to deny Brendan Aaronson, ensuring the deficit was only one goal at the interval.
Emery's Half-Time Changes Prove Decisive
Seeking more pace and attacking impetus, Unai Emery made a double substitution at half-time, introducing Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen. The impact was immediate. Just three minutes after the restart, Malen fired a low ball across the face of the goal, and Rogers provided a clever, deft flick at the near post to level the score.
The game opened up, with Konsa making a vital block to thwart Aaronson at one end, while Watkins forced a save from Leeds goalkeeper Perri at the other. The stage was set for a grandstand finish.
Rogers' Stunning Winner Seals the Points
The decisive moment arrived with 15 minutes remaining. After Leeds were caught overplaying at the back, Ross Barkley was fouled just outside the penalty area. Morgan Rogers stepped up and curled a magnificent free-kick over the wall, leaving Perri with no chance and sending the travelling Villa fans into delirium.
Leeds thought they had snatched an equaliser moments later when Dan James set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score. However, after a VAR review, the goal was correctly ruled out as the ball had clearly struck the striker's arm before crossing the line, confirming Villa's victory.
John Townley's Player Ratings
Emi Martinez: 6 - Beaten for the opener in a crowded box but made important saves later on.
Matty Cash: 7 - Solid defensively and provided a key early cross for Watkins.
Ezri Konsa: 7 - Unlucky with the deflection for the goal but responded with a superb, game-changing tackle.
Pau Torres: 6 - Passing was off at times but helped steady the ship.
Lucas Digne: 6 - Replaced at half-time as Emery sought more pace.
Boubacar Kamara: 7 - Grew into the game, ending as the top duel-winner and creating chances.
Youri Tielemans: 7 - Looked forward whenever possible and was combative in midfield.
John McGinn: 6 - Fired one good effort wide but was largely engaged in defensive work.
Emi Buendia: 6 - Substituted at the break after a quiet first half.
Morgan Rogers: 9 - The match-winner. A clever equaliser and a stunning free-kick. A superb all-round performance.
Ollie Watkins: 6 - More involved than in recent games but his goal drought continues.
Subs: Donyell Malen (7) made a swift impact with an assist, while Ross Barkley (7) won the crucial free-kick. Ian Maatsen (6) and Jadon Sancho (6) also contributed.
