Aston Villa Triumphs Over Leeds with Rogers’ Two Goals

Post by : Mara Rahim

Leeds United’s Premier League woes deepened as they fell 2-1 to Aston Villa at Elland Road, marking their fifth defeat in six matches. Leeds initially went ahead with a goal from Lukas Nmecha, but Morgan Rogers turned the tide for Villa, scoring two exceptional goals and propelling them into Champions League qualification positions. Consequently, Leeds remains entrenched in the relegation zone, intensifying pressure on manager Daniel Farke.

Farke acknowledged glimpses of hope but lamented the inability to convert those into points. He commented, “We should’ve taken points from this clash. We’re not at our best yet.” Leeds began strongly, utilizing set pieces as their main offensive strategy, highlighted by Sean Longstaff’s set-piece deliveries. Nmecha’s opening goal occurred in the eighth minute following a chaotic moment post-free-kick, with Villa’s goalkeeper Emi Martínez struggling to prevent the ball from crossing the line after a deflection from Ezri Konsa and Nmecha.

After conceding, Villa gradually took command. The introduction of Dutch forwards Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen at halftime injected fresh vigor and creativity into their play. Just two minutes after the break, Malen created space on the right and sent a precise cutback to Rogers, who equalized with a deft flick. About fifteen minutes from concluding, Rogers struck again with a breathtaking free-kick that sailed over the wall, leaving Leeds keeper Lucas Perri helpless. Celebrating with set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, this marks Rogers’ second direct free-kick goal in as many matches.

Leeds sought to level the score, but a potential equalizer from Dan James was ruled out after footage showed the ball deflected off Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hand. The team struggled to generate significant chances in open play and, as the encounter progressed, Villa controlled possession effectively. Leeds appeared fatigued by halftime, leaving Nmecha isolated and diminishing their attacking threat.

Villa’s success underscores their squad depth and recent performances, winning nine of their last eleven contests across all formats. This victory makes them only the second away side in 26 league matches to triumph at Leeds this season. Matty Cash and his teammates lauded the team’s resilience and organizational skills under pressure, particularly in the latter half.

In contrast, Leeds' defeat highlights persistent anxieties and collective disorganization within the squad. With daunting matches against Manchester City and Chelsea approaching, the urgency to rectify their form becomes more acute. Their heavy reliance on set pieces and struggles to maintain intensity or capitalize on early leads raise significant concerns for Farke, as the club endeavors to avert further relegation challenges.