Morgan Rogers' double seals Aston Villa's 2-1 comeback win at Leeds, lifting Villa into Premier League top four

When Morgan Rogers stepped onto the pitch at Elland Road in the 47th minute, Aston Villa were trailing 0-1 and reeling from a disallowed goal that had left fans stunned. Two goals later, he’d turned despair into euphoria — and his team into the Premier League’s top four. The 23-year-old English midfielder’s second-half brace, capped by a curling free-kick in the 89th minute, sealed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Leeds United on Sunday, November 23, 2025, under icy conditions that left players shivering and spectators bundled in scarves. The final whistle blew at 90+7', as the clock ticked past 5:00 PM local time in Leeds, and suddenly, Aston Villa were not just climbing the table — they were breathing down the necks of the title contenders.

First Half Chaos: A Goal That Never Was

The first 45 minutes at Elland Road were a masterclass in frustration for both sides. Leeds United controlled possession, pressing high and creating half-chances through Dan James and Patrick Bamford. But their dominance was undone by a moment of sheer bad luck — or bad judgment. At 45+3', James raced onto a cross and slotted it past Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. The home crowd erupted. The referee raised his arm. Then, the VAR screen flashed. Replays showed Patrick Bamford, Leeds’ 31-year-old captain and number 9, had clearly handled the ball in the build-up. The goal was erased. The stadium fell silent. "White nine clearly touches the ball with his hand and is the goal scorer... Therefore, the goal is disallowed," the YouTube commentary noted, a moment that became the turning point of the match. Half-time: 0-0. The momentum had shifted before the second half even began.

Rogers’ Arrival: The Substitute Who Changed Everything

Just 97 seconds into the second half, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery’s gamble paid off. Substituting an underperforming forward for the 23-year-old Rogers, the Spanish tactician sent a message: we’re not here to defend. And Rogers delivered. Leon Bailey, the 27-year-old Jamaican winger, cut inside from the left and slipped a low pass across the six-yard box. Rogers, unmarked, tapped it home. "Just over two minutes into the second half and Villa are back on terms," the highlights announcer declared. "The substitute makes a big big contribution." The goal wasn’t just a equalizer — it was a psychological blow to Leeds, who had been playing with the confidence of a team leading at home.

Then came the free-kick. At the 89th minute, Ross Barkley was fouled just outside the penalty area. The crowd held its breath. Rogers stepped up. No run-up. No hesitation. A crisp, left-footed curler that kissed the crossbar before nestling into the top corner. The Elland Road faithful were stunned. Even the Leeds players stopped moving. "That’s the kind of goal you dream of scoring," said one fan on social media. "And he’s 23."

Emery’s Masterstroke and Farke’s Woes

For Unai Emery, this was his 18th Premier League win since taking over Aston Villa in 2022. His ability to rotate squads, manage pressure, and make timely substitutions has turned Villa from mid-table also-rans into genuine contenders. After the match, he praised Rogers: "He’s calm under pressure. He doesn’t need to be the star — he just needs to be in the right place. And he was." The win lifted Villa to 21 points from 12 matches (6-3-3, +4 GD), tying them with Crystal Palace and pulling within a point of third-placed Brighton. For the first time since 2010, Villa are in the top four this early in the season.

Meanwhile, Daniel Farke, Leeds’ 48-year-old German manager, is facing mounting pressure. His side now sits 12th with just 11 points (3-2-7, -6 GD). Their home form is a disaster — only one win in six at Elland Road this season. "All that matters ultimately is that Leeds have slipped to another defeat here," said the match commentator, echoing the mood in the stands. Fans chanted for change as the final whistle blew. With 26 games still to play, survival is no longer a given — it’s a battle.

The Goalkeeper Who Kept Them Alive

Let’s not forget Emiliano Martínez. The 32-year-old Argentine didn’t make a dozen saves — he made three critical ones. His stop on Pascal Struijk’s header in the 14th minute was pure instinct. Later, he denied a close-range volley from Brenden Aaronson with his foot. "Pascal Struijk got up above everybody there from Martinez. The whistle to the lips and there it is," the highlights noted. Martínez didn’t just keep the score level — he gave Villa the belief to attack. Without him, Rogers’ goals never happen.

What’s Next? The Road to the Top

Aston Villa face Manchester City next, then a home clash with Liverpool. A win in either could push them into the top three. For Leeds United, the schedule is brutal: away at Arsenal, then home to Chelsea. Their goal difference is a ticking time bomb. With only three wins all season, they’re one bad week away from the relegation zone.

And Rogers? He’s now scored five goals in his last six Premier League appearances. The kid from Birmingham isn’t just a substitute anymore. He’s becoming the spark Aston Villa didn’t know they needed.