Morgan Rogers scored a brilliant brace in the second half to secure a 2-1 comeback victory for Aston Villa over Leeds United at Elland Road. Lukas Nmecha had given Leeds an early lead, but Villa's substitutions and improved performance turned the game around. The win moves Villa into fourth place, while Leeds slip deeper into the relegation zone.
Leeds United took the lead in the eighth minute through Lukas Nmecha, who tapped in after a lengthy VAR review confirmed no foul on Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in an aerial challenge with Anton Stach. The goal came from a Sean Longstaff free-kick, leaving Villa trailing 1-0 at halftime in a physical first half marked by few clear chances.
Villa boss Unai Emery made two changes at the break, introducing Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen for Lucas Digne and Emiliano Buendia. The move paid off almost immediately, as Malen combined with Matty Cash to deliver a cross that Rogers deftly flicked into the net three minutes after the restart, leveling the score at 1-1.
Rogers then sealed the win in the 75th minute with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box, dipping over the wall and past Lucas Perri for his second goal of the game and third of the season. Leeds thought they had equalized moments later when Daniel James's effort was turned in by Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but VAR disallowed it for handball.
Despite late pressure, including a Pascal Struijk header saved by Martinez, Villa held on for their sixth win in seven Premier League games. Morgan Rogers told BBC Radio Five Live: "It was a great win at a difficult place. We had to dig deep and work hard and show our determination."
Leeds manager Daniel Farke remained optimistic, saying on Match of the Day: "Performance-wise we've turned back to what we want to be. We dominated many periods against a very good side." The defeat marks Leeds' third straight loss, leaving them in the relegation zone.
