By Adam Bate, Football Features Writer.
@PremierLeague.
Morgan Rogers scored twice for Aston Villa as they beat Manchester United 2-1 at Villa Park to make it 10 wins in a row in all competitions.
Matheus Cunha did cancel out Rogers’ stunning opener but the England forward struck again in the second half, proving the difference maker in an otherwise even contest.
Goals were likely, United having scored four in each of their two previous games but struggled defensively. And yet, the goalkeepers starred until late in the first half, Senne Lammens keeping out John McGinn, Emi Martinez saving well from Benjamin Sesko.
A bit of Rogers magic brought the breakthrough, cutting inside and finding the top corner. But Villa’s celebrations were brief because Matty Cash was dispossessed by Patrick Dorgu, allowing Cunha to run through unchallenged to level before the interval.
United were worth their equaliser, having played the more enterprising football in the opening 45 minutes. But it became trickier in the second half, Bruno Fernandes going off injured and Lisandro Martinez coming on in midfield with Kobbie Mainoo absent.
Rogers’ second, another curled effort beyond Lammens, restored Villa’s lead and this time Cunha could not find the response. The Brazilian forward should have done so. His unmarked header from Dorgu’s left-wing cross missed the target from six yards out.
Unai Emery’s side stay third in the Premier League table despite the win, although they do close the gap to leaders Arsenal down to just three points again. Ruben Amorim’s men miss the chance to move above Liverpool into fifth. They will spend Christmas in seventh.