Akin Ayomide
Morgan Rogers produced two excellent finishes to inspire an Aston Villa comeback to beat Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road on Sunday and move into the Premier League’s top four.
Rogers has often been preferred this season by England manager Thomas Tuchel over Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, but had struck just once this season prior to his second-half double.
After failing to win any of their first five games of the season, Villa have now won six of their last seven in the Premier League to climb into the Champions League places.
Defeat leaves Leeds inside the relegation zone and they were left to rue not building on a fast start.
Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez pleaded in vain for a foul as he was challenged for a high ball by Anton Stach.
Ezri Konsa hooked the ball clear off his own line but the ball rebounded in off Lukas Nmecha.
Martinez made amends with a fine save to prevent Brenden Aaronson doubling the hosts’ lead.
But Leeds’ energy dwindled in the second half after Rogers pulled Villa level just three minutes after the restart.
Unai Emery’s introduction of Donyell Malen at half-time paid immediate dividends as the Dutch international’s cross was flicked into the far corner by Rogers at the near post.
The 23-year-old then completed the comeback with a brilliant free-kick from right on the edge of the Leeds box that dipped beyond Lucas Perri.
Leeds had the ball in the net at the other end almost immediately, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin handled as he turned in Daniel James’ cross.
Martinez then denied Pascal Struijk with a fine stop low to his left as Villa clung on for all three points.