Rogers Double Fires Villa Past United In Title Push

Aston Villa continued their remarkable surge towards the summit of the Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester United, inspired once again by the brilliance of Morgan Rogers. Under the lights at Villa Park, Unai Emery’s side showed composure, resilience and cutting edge to extend their winning run and send a clear warning to their rivals.

The opening half was finely balanced, with United enjoying neat spells of possession while Villa threatened on the break. Just when it seemed the sides would head into the interval level, Rogers produced a moment of pure quality. Collecting a pass from John McGinn on the left edge of the area, the winger glided inside before curling an exquisite right footed effort into the far corner to ignite the home crowd.

Villa’s lead was short lived as United responded almost immediately. A lapse in concentration at the back allowed Patrick Dorgu to pounce, and Matheus Cunha kept his nerve to slot past Emiliano Martinez and restore parity deep into first half stoppage time.

The second half remained open and entertaining, but it was Rogers who again made the decisive difference. Shortly after the restart, the winger struck for a second time, bending another superb finish beyond Senne Lammens to put Villa back in front and underline his growing influence in this title charge.

United pressed hard for an equaliser and created chances, including a gilt edged header that Cunha sent wide, while Bruno Fernandes’ injury at half time further disrupted their rhythm. Despite enjoying a higher expected goals tally, the visitors lacked the cutting edge at key moments and were repeatedly denied by Villa’s organisation and Martinez’s calm presence.

As the final whistle sounded, Villa Park erupted in celebration. The victory marked Villa’s seventh consecutive top flight win for the first time since the 1989 90 season and leaves Emery’s men just three points behind Arsenal at Christmas. For Manchester United, the defeat ended a four match unbeaten run and left them seventh, still firmly in the hunt but frustrated after another missed opportunity.

Above all, the night belonged to Morgan Rogers. Just as he did against West Ham, he delivered when it mattered most, confirming his status as Villa’s match winner and a central figure in what is shaping up to be a genuine title challenge.