Aston Villa staged a impressive second-half comeback to defeat Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road, with Morgan Rogers emerging as the match-winner with both goals.
Rogers' Second-Half Brace Turns the Tide
The match, played on November 23, 2025, saw Villa fall behind before the break. However, the introduction of Rogers at half-time, replacing Emi Buendia, proved to be a masterstroke. The England international first showed his predatory instincts by deftly flicking a cross from Donyell Malen into the net to level the score.
With just 15 minutes left on the clock, the decisive moment arrived. After Ross Barkley was fouled just outside the penalty area, Rogers stepped up to take the resulting free-kick. He produced a moment of pure quality, curling the ball over the wall and under the crossbar, leaving Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri with no chance.
The 'Emi Buendia' Inspiration and Villa's Fighting Spirit
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the final whistle, Rogers revealed the inspiration behind his magnificent set-piece. "I call it the Emi Buendia," he said. "He did it in the last game before the break. It's something I've been practising... Once he was off the pitch, I looked around and there was nobody else that really practised them, so I thought, 'why not?'"
Rogers was quick to praise his team's character in securing a vital three points at a difficult venue. "It's a difficult place to come. They're really strong at home," he admitted. "We had to dig in, we had to dig deep... We were really good with grit and determination, and we got the win."
He highlighted the improved intensity after half-time as a key factor, stating the team played "a lot quicker and a lot more forward" to ultimately overcome a Leeds side that "pushed us right to the limit."
