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Rogers Double Fires Villa to Christmas Top Three
Aston Villa continued their remarkable form with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park, extending their winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions and ensuring Unai Emery’s side sit third in the Premier League at Christmas.
First Half: Rogers Sparks, Cunha Responds
With United having scored four goals in each of their previous two outings, an open contest was expected—but it was the goalkeepers who initially took centre stage. Senne Lammens denied John McGinn with a sharp stop, while Emiliano Martinez reacted superbly to keep out a Benjamin Šeško effort.
The breakthrough arrived courtesy of Morgan Rogers’ individual brilliance. Cutting inside from the left, the England forward unleashed a superb curling strike into the top corner to ignite Villa Park.
Villa’s lead, however, was short-lived. A lapse at the back saw Matty Cash dispossessed by Patrick Dorgu, allowing Matheus Cunha to burst through unchallenged and slot home the equaliser before half-time. United fully deserved to be level, having shown greater attacking intent for much of the opening 45 minutes.
Second Half: Rogers Decides It
The game became more disjointed after the break, particularly for United, who were dealt a blow when Bruno Fernandes was forced off injured. With Kobbie Mainoo absent, Lisandro Martinez was introduced into midfield, but United struggled to maintain their earlier rhythm.
Once again, Rogers made the difference. The forward struck his second of the evening with another beautifully curled effort beyond Lammens, restoring Villa’s advantage.
United had chances to respond. Cunha, already on the scoresheet, missed a golden opportunity when he headed wide from six yards after a pinpoint cross from Dorgu. That miss proved costly, as Villa saw out the closing stages with composure to claim all three points.
League Picture
The victory keeps Aston Villa third in the Premier League and closes the gap to leaders Arsenal to just three points. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, meanwhile, miss the chance to move into the top five and will head into Christmas sitting seventh.
Player of the Match
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) – A decisive double and a constant attacking threat.
Player Ratings
Aston Villa:
Martinez (8), Cash (6), Konsa (6), Lindelöf (7), Maatsen (7), Onana (7), Kamara (6), Tielemans (6), McGinn (7), Rogers (9), Watkins (6)
Subs: Digne (6), Malen (6), Guessand (n/a), Buendía (n/a), Bogarde (n/a)
Manchester United:
Lammens (7), Dalot (7), Yoro (6), Heaven (7), Shaw (6), Dorgu (7), Ugarte (5), Fernandes (6), Cunha (7), Mount (7), Šeško (5)
Subs: Martinez (6), Zirkzee (6), Fletcher (6), Lacey (n/a)
