Aston Villa demonstrated a hallmark of Champions League contenders on Sunday, grinding out a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory against Leeds United at Elland Road. The win, secured by a stunning Morgan Rogers free-kick, propelled Unai Emery's team into the Premier League's top four, just one point behind third place.
Rogers' Brilliance Turns the Tide
The match was a tale of two halves, with Villa struggling to match Leeds' intensity before the break. The introduction of substitutes Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen at half-time proved pivotal, changing the game's dynamic. Malen provided the assist for Rogers' clever equaliser, cancelling out Leeds' first-half opener.
The winner arrived in spectacular fashion late in the game. After Ross Barkley, another impactful substitute, won a free-kick, Rogers stepped up to curl a magnificent shot into the net. The forward later revealed he christened the set-piece "the Emi Buendia" in a nod to his teammate, taking the opportunity after Buendia had been substituted.
Emery's Verdict on a 'Top Team' Performance
Manager Unai Emery was full of praise for his match-winner, highlighting Rogers' hunger and tactical consistency. "He was hungry and angry to score," Emery said, predicting the forward would achieve "double numbers" in goals and assists again this season.
Despite the result pushing his team into the upper echelons of the table, Emery remained grounded. He insisted that Villa are "not contenders for the top six or top four" yet, emphasising the long road ahead while still expressing pride in his team's resilience.
Key Takeaways from a Gritty Victory
The performance underscored a significant development in Villa's mentality: the ability to win ugly away from home. After an underwhelming first half, the team showed immense grit and determination to turn the game around, relying on individual moments of quality and collective spirit.
Rogers' immediate celebration, where he ran to the sideline to shake hands with set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, highlighted the preparation and teamwork behind the glorious winner.
However, one lingering concern for Villa is the form of striker Ollie Watkins, whose goal drought now extends to just one goal in his last 17 appearances. The team's ability to secure three points despite this issue speaks volumes of their growing strength in depth and character.
With strong home form and a promising position in the league, Aston Villa now look ahead to their next fixture against Wolves with renewed confidence, having rediscovered the crucial trait of winning when not at their absolute best.
