Aston Villa's relentless charge under Unai Emery shows no sign of slowing, with a Morgan Rogers double securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park. The win marks a remarkable tenth consecutive triumph in all competitions for Villa, who now sit just three points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Villa's Title Credentials Strengthened
The electric atmosphere inside Villa Park was matched by a high-octane start to the match. Manchester United's Matheus Cunha threatened early, firing just wide inside three minutes. Villa responded with a flurry of chances, with Ollie Watkins, John McGinn, and Ian Maatsen all going close. United's Benjamin Sesko was twice denied by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in a frantic opening period.
The deadlock was finally broken in sublime fashion just before half-time. Rogers, showing incredible determination, kept an overhit pass in play on the left touchline. He then cut inside, looked up, and curled a beautiful strike into the far corner, leaving United goalkeeper Senne Lammens helpless.
United Hit Back But Rogers Has The Final Word
United's response was swift. In first-half stoppage time, Patrick Dorgu dispossessed Matty Cash, allowing Cunha to seize on the loose ball and fire an unstoppable equaliser past Martínez. The setback for Villa was compounded by an injury to United captain Bruno Fernandes, who was forced off at the interval.
Any momentum United gained from the goal was extinguished just a minute into the second half. Youri Tielemans hooked a cross into the area, and after Watkins failed to control, the alert Rogers pounced, drifting inside once more to find the far corner with another precise finish.
United had a golden chance to level when Cunha headed wide from close range, but they could not find a second equaliser. The defeat was a frustrating one for manager Ruben Amorim, who also confirmed midfielder Kobbie Mainoo missed the game with a calf injury.
Emery's Machine Marches On
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations, with manager Unai Emery famously launching his jacket into the night air in delight. This victory was another statement of intent from a Villa side meticulously crafted by their Spanish coach. While the home fans roared "Birmingham, are you listening?", the result resonates far beyond the Second City, firmly establishing Aston Villa as genuine contenders in this season's Premier League title race.
