Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning streak to ten matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester United at a vibrant Villa Park on Saturday. The hero of the hour was Morgan Rogers, whose two superb goals proved decisive against a United side weakened by a significant injury to captain Bruno Fernandes.
Rogers' Brilliance Seals the Points
The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion on the stroke of half-time. Morgan Rogers, collecting the ball on the left, cut inside and evaded defender Leny Yoro before curling a magnificent strike into the top corner, leaving United goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted to the spot. The lead was short-lived, however, as Villa defender Matty Cash gifted United an equaliser just three minutes later. His dallying on the ball allowed Patrick Dorgu to press, with the loose ball falling to Matheus Cunha who finished first-time past Emiliano Martinez.
Fernandes Injury Proves Costly for United
The visitors' momentum was severely checked by the loss of their captain before the second half could begin. Bruno Fernandes, who had been seen clutching his hamstring before the interval, was unable to continue and was replaced by Lisandro Martinez in a makeshift midfield role. With their chief creator absent, United's attacking threat diminished considerably. Villa capitalised on this weakness midway through the second half, with Rogers again the tormentor. He once more got the better of Yoro before firing a low shot past Lammens to restore Villa's lead and ultimately secure the three points.
Villa's Charge and United's Setbacks
The result solidifies Unai Emery's side in the upper echelons of the Premier League, keeping pace with leaders Arsenal and Manchester City. For United manager Ruben Amorim, it was a frustrating end to a four-game unbeaten run. His plans were disrupted before kick-off by the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, who missed out with a calf injury sustained in training, rather than due to any disciplinary action related to recent off-field headlines. Amorim did hand debuts to academy products Jack Fletcher and Shae Lacey from the bench, but they were unable to inspire a comeback.
The victory marks a significant moment in Villa's season, showcasing their resilience and the red-hot form of Morgan Rogers, who now has six goals in his last six league appearances. For Manchester United, the defeat and the potential loss of Fernandes for the busy festive period, compounded by the absence of African Cup of Nations participants Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, presents a major challenge.
