Aston Villa climbed into the Premier League’s top four after Morgan Rogers’ brace, including a stunning free-kick, sealed a 2-1 comeback victory against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Aston Villa successfully moved into the Premier League’s top four by staging a 2-1 comeback victory over Leeds United at Elland Road, propelled by a star performance from their attacker, according to a report from Birmingham Live.
The home team took an early, avoidable lead in the eighth minute, but Morgan Rogers provided the catalyst for the turnaround, leveling the contest just after the break before sealing the win with a phenomenal free-kick 15 minutes from the final whistle.
Player RatingsĀ
Emi Martinez (5): The goalkeeper was unfortunate to lose out in challenging for a high ball from a set-piece, which led to the opener, but later redeemed himself with two vital saves, stopping a mid-first-half effort from Aaronson and a late header from Struijk.
Matty Cash (7), Ezri Konsa (7), Pau Torres (6), Lucas Digne (6): The defense showed grit. Cash put in a strong display, making a crucial recovery tackle on Okafor and creating Villa’s first opportunity.
Konsa immediately recovered from his clearance rebounding off Nmecha for the goal by executing a brilliant tackle on Aaronson.
Torres’s passing was unusually inconsistent, though he helped solidify the backline. Digne was substituted at the half, as Unai Emery sought to introduce more speed.
Boubacar Kamara (7), Youri Tielemans (7), John McGinn (6), Emi Buendia (6): In midfield, Kamara was transformed after a poor first half, ending the game by winning the most duels and fashioning two chances.
Tielemans consistently looked to drive the play forward and won seven of ten ground duels.
McGinn was less involved offensively, save for one curling shot toward the goal, spending most of his time in midfield battles. Buendia was withdrawn at the interval after his first-half free-kick effort went wide.
Morgan Rogers (9*), Ollie Watkins (6): Rogers was the star man, converting an equalizer with a delicate touch at the near post and scoring a sublime free-kick to complete the victory. Watkins was more active than in recent weeks, managing a header and two shots, but his goal drought continues.
Substitutes (Ian Maatsen 6, Donyell Malen 7, Jadon Sancho 6, Ross Barkley 7): Malen made an instant impact by providing the assist for Rogers’ first goal. Barkley had a neat contribution, notably winning the free-kick that led to the winning goal. Maatsen tested the keeper with a blocked drive. Sancho offered reliable possession on the left.