Aston Villa came from behind to beat Leeds 2-1 in the Premier League on Sunday, with Morgan Rodgers scoring twice, including a stunning winner from a free-kick.
The playmaker has just returned from international duty with England and is currently with England. Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham will be ruled out of the starting team.
Rodgers showed exactly why against Leeds, scoring the equalizer in the 48th with a finish from Donyell Malen’s cross, and in the 75th he showed great technique as he smashed a free-kick over the defensive wall and into the goal.
Leeds took the lead at a lively Elland Road side with Lucas Nmeka scoring from close range after Anton Stacchi’s header was cleared on the goal line by Villa defender Ezri Konsa. There was a video review to see if Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was thwarted in the build-up, but the goal was allowed.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought Leeds had equalized two minutes after Rodgers’ second goal, but was ruled out for handball.
After starting the season without a win in the team’s first five games, it was Villa’s sixth win in their last seven league games. Villa moved up to fourth place.
Promoted group Leeds have lost five of their last six games, dropping them into the relegation zone.
Arsenal then host Tottenham in the North London derby, aiming to widen the gap on second-placed Chelsea to six points. Manchester City are in third place, one point behind.
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Steve Douglas is https://twitter.com/sdouglas80
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
