Morgan Rodgers scored twice as Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 at Villa Park and made it their 10th successive win in all competitions.
Matheus Cunha canceled out Rogers’ stunning opener but the England forward struck again in the second half and proved the difference-maker in an even contest.
There was a high possibility of scoring a goal. United had scored four goals in each of their previous two games but struggled defensively. Despite this, the goalkeepers starred until the end of the first half, with Senne Lammens denying John McGinn and Emi Martinez making a fine save from Benjamin Sesko.
A little Rogers magic led to the breakthrough, cutting inside and finding the top edge. However, Villa’s celebrations were short-lived as Matty Cash was robbed by Patrick Dorgu and Cunha was able to get level without any trouble before the break.
United played more progressive football in the opening 45 minutes so they deserved an equalizer. However, things got trickier in the second half with Bruno Fernandes injured and Lisandro Martinez replacing Kobe Maino in midfield.
Rogers’ second, another curled effort beyond Lammens, restored Villa’s lead and this time Cunha could not find a reply. The Brazilian forward should have done that. His unmarked header from Dorgu’s cross from the left went wide of the target from six yards out.
Unai Emery’s side remain third in the Premier League table despite the win, but the gap on leaders Arsenal has narrowed back to three points. Ruben Amorim’s men missed the chance to move past Liverpool into fifth place. They will celebrate Christmas on the seventh day.
Player of the Match: Morgan Rogers
Talking to Morgan Rogers sky sports:
“It’s hard work, it’s long hours and you want every shot to be in the top corner, so that’s good.
“You just have to keep trying. Sometimes it’s your day, sometimes it’s not. Luckily, lately it’s been my happy day.
“I’m really confident. I’m enjoying football. It’s not just me, it’s the team. Performance and the team give me that belief and allow me to be myself.”
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson on Rodgers:
“Sometimes when a team is not working as a team and has an off day, you need that X factor and a game changer and they win the game with absolutely nothing.
“And that’s what Rodgers is like at the moment. He’s been really outstanding in the last 10 games or so. They haven’t been outstanding, but they’ve had a game-changer.”
