Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning streak to ten matches with a hard-fought 2-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United at a jubilant Villa Park. The win, powered by a brilliant Morgan Rogers brace, marks only Villa's second home league triumph over United in three decades.
Rogers Shines in Villa Park Thriller
The match began with United showing early intent. Matheus Cunha curled an effort just wide after a deflected pass, while Villa's Ollie Watkins was denied by a crucial Ayden Heaven intervention. Villa grew into the game, with John McGinn forcing a save from Senne Lammens before Watkins saw a follow-up superbly blocked.
Just as the first half seemed to be drifting towards a stalemate, Morgan Rogers produced a moment of pure quality to break the deadlock. Collecting a long pass from McGinn, he cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Villa's lead was short-lived, however. Deep into added time, Matty Cash was dispossessed by Patrick Dorgu, allowing Cunha to equalise for the visitors from a tight angle.
Villa's Resilience and Historic Home Form
Undeterred, Villa continued to press after the interval. Their persistence paid off just before the hour mark, with Rogers again the hero. Youri Tielemans pulled the ball back from the left, Watkins provided a clever touch, and Rogers bent another exquisite finish past Lammens to restore the lead.
United's task was made harder by the loss of Bruno Fernandes to a muscle injury, and they missed a golden chance to level when Cunha headed wide from close range. Villa saw out the game professionally to claim a significant three points.
This victory represents Aston Villa's 10th consecutive home win across all competitions, a feat that sees manager Unai Emery join the legendary George Ramsay as only the second boss in the club's history to oversee more than one such run. The result also means Villa have suffered just one home league defeat in the entire calendar year.
Player Ratings: Heroes Across the Pitch
Morgan Rogers (9): The undisputed star. His first goal was a sensational strike, and his second was a composed, curling finish. A constant threat and the match-winner.
John McGinn (8): The captain led by example with relentless energy and clever link-up play. His assist for the opener was perfectly weighted.
Amadou Onana (8): Marked his 50th Villa appearance with a tireless display in midfield, breaking up play and driving the team forward.
Youri Tielemans (7): Instrumental in the midfield battle and provided the crucial delivery for Villa's second goal.
Ian Maatsen (7): Defended solidly against Diogo Dalot and was a reliable outlet, delivering several dangerous crosses.
Boubacar Kamara (7): Engaged in a physical battle in the engine room, providing vital stability and bite.
Ollie Watkins (6): Had a difficult night against a resolute United defence but played a key part in the decisive second goal.
The victory lifts Aston Villa seven points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea ahead of a crucial trip to Stamford Bridge next weekend, solidifying their position in the Premier League's upper echelons and capping a historic year at Villa Park.
