Rogers’ Stunning Double Completes Villa Comeback and Deepens Leeds’ Woes
A dazzling second-half brace from Morgan Rogers turned a fraught afternoon at Elland Road on its head, as Aston Villa came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 and climb into the Premier League’s top four. Leeds, who had begun with ferocity and took an early lead through a chaotic Lukas Nmecha goal, faded badly after the interval and succumbed to a familiar script: another advantage surrendered, another defeat, and mounting pressure on Daniel Farke.
Villa had been comfortably second best for much of the first half, bullied by Leeds' aggression and undone by a messy set-piece that required a long VAR check before being awarded. Yet Unai Emery's side showed the resolve that has underpinned their resurgence from a winless start to the season. Half-time changes, notably the introduction of Donyell Malen, shifted the momentum as Rogers' first flicked-in equaliser levelled the scores, before curling a superb dipping free-kick beyond Lucas Perri 15 minutes from time.
Leeds thought they had snatched a point almost immediately when Dan James’ effort ended up in the net via Dominic Calvert-Lewin, only for VAR to intervene once more and rule the goal out for handball. A late set-piece onslaught brought a fine save from Emiliano Martinez, but the hosts’ lack of guile from open play again cost them. While Villa celebrated a sixth win in seven league games, Leeds were left to contemplate a fifth defeat in six, eight points dropped from winning positions, and an increasingly uncomfortable stay in the relegation zone.