Aston Villa's remarkable Premier League title charge gathered further momentum on Sunday, as a Morgan Rogers masterclass secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at a raucous Villa Park.
Rogers' Transformation Fuels Villa Surge
The match was decided by the increasingly sensational form of forward Morgan Rogers. His two goals, both beautifully curled finishes, propelled Villa to a seventh consecutive league victory – their best run in 36 years. The win keeps Unai Emery's side firmly in the top three, a stunning rise from being in the bottom three at the autumn equinox.
Rogers' opener was a moment of pure individual brilliance. He expertly controlled John McGinn's lofted pass, weaved past a defender, and bent an unstoppable shot into the top corner, leaving United goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted. His second, coming after he pounced on a clearance from Ayden Heaven, was a similarly precise finish from a tighter angle.
"Morgan Rogers played brilliant," said a delighted Emery, whose own celebration saw him launch his coat into the air. "He is the protagonist, a fighter and a very good guy." Rogers' current form marks a dramatic personal turnaround, having been booed by some Villa fans in a September match against Bologna.
United's Struggles Deepen at Villa Park
For Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim, this was another disappointing result in a difficult season. They briefly levelled the scores just three minutes after Rogers' opener, courtesy of a fine curled effort from summer signing Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian should have equalised again later but headed wide from six yards.
United's problems were compounded by a first-half injury to captain Bruno Fernandes, who did not return after the break. This forced Amorim into a makeshift midfield pairing of defender Lisandro Martinez and debutant Jack Fletcher, with key players like Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo already absent.
"I think we were the better team. We deserved so much more," insisted Amorim afterwards, though he admitted defending against Rogers' dual-threat was "really hard." The defeat leaves United stumbling, while Villa's cohesive and resilient unit continues to pick up narrow wins, this being their fifth consecutive victory by a one-goal margin.
Title Talk Gathers Pace in Birmingham
The victory on Sunday 21 December 2025 solidifies Aston Villa's status as genuine contenders. With 16 wins from their last 18 matches across all competitions, the belief around Villa Park is palpable. Emery's side are demonstrating a winning habit and the nerve to prevail in big moments.
In contrast, the bigger damage for Manchester United may extend beyond the three points dropped. The potential long-term loss of the ever-present Fernandes, described by Amorim as "captain, constant and catalyst," could be a significant blow for the rest of their campaign. As Villa soar, United are left to ponder a deepening crisis.
