Aston Villa Title Challenge Grows After Rogers Sinks Manchester United
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Aston Villa strengthened their unexpected Premier League title push after Morgan Rogers delivered a standout performance to secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park. The result underlined Villa’s growing authority this season and reinforced their status as genuine contenders in a tightly packed title race.
Unai Emery’s side struck first late in the first half through a moment of real quality. Villa had absorbed pressure before springing forward on the counter attack. John McGinn picked out Rogers with a precise pass down the left, and the midfielder drove at the United defence before curling a composed finish into the far corner from just inside the box. It was a goal that reflected both confidence and clarity in Villa’s approach.
United responded almost immediately. A lapse in concentration from Matty Cash allowed Patrick Dorgu to steal possession and square for Matheus Cunha, who finished confidently from a tight angle to level the score just before the break. The momentum shift offered hope for Erik ten Hag’s side, but Villa remained composed and focused after the interval.
Rogers restored Villa’s lead in the 57th minute, reacting quickest inside the box to guide a clinical finish past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The goal marked his sixth in six league appearances and sealed Villa’s 10th consecutive victory in all competitions. Emery’s celebration on the touchline captured the significance of the moment as Villa Park erupted once again.
How has Aston Villa turned into serious title contenders?
Villa’s rise has been built on consistency, resilience, and home dominance. Emery has transformed Villa Park into one of the league’s toughest venues, with just one Premier League home defeat in 2025, fewer than any other side. Arsenal have already fallen there this season, and United were unable to repeat their strong recent record at the ground.
The numbers highlight how remarkable this run has been. Villa sit third in the table, three points behind leaders Arsenal and just one behind Manchester City. They are enjoying their best winning streak in all competitions since 1914 and have won seven straight top flight matches for the first time since the 1989-90 season. This surge is even more striking given Villa’s poor start to the campaign, when they collected just two points and scored once in their opening five games.
What went wrong for Manchester United at Villa Park?
United’s evening was complicated further when captain Bruno Fernandes was forced off at half-time with an apparent hamstring injury. His absence exposed an already stretched squad. Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, and Kobbie Mainoo were unavailable through injury, Casemiro was suspended, and Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui were away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fernandes recently said United “wanted me to go” during the summer amid interest from Al-Hilal, and his importance was evident as United struggled to maintain control without him. Missed chances also proved costly, with Benjamin Sesko hesitating when clean through, allowing Emiliano Martinez to intervene. Later efforts from Cunha and Dorgu were also wasted.
Despite a late push and a debut appearance for teenager Jack Fletcher, United could not break Villa’s resistance. As the final whistle blew, Villa’s momentum continued to build, while United were left to reflect on a missed opportunity and growing pressure heading into the next phase of the season.
By Yockshard Enyendi
