Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United: Morgan Rodgers produced two game-changing moments to fuel Aston Villa’s victory over Manchester United, who were severely lacking in attacking quality.
Unai Emery took off his coat, twirled it over his head and then gleefully threw it away. Villa Park was alive and the deafening noise echoed as the home fans came together to cheer on Morgan Rogers’ unforgettable moment once again.
The first of his two spells in one game, of which there have been several this season, highlights why Emery’s Aston Villa are in this title race. No wonder Emery was excited.
It was Villa’s 10th successive win in all competitions and, even more incredibly, it was their second win against United in 27 Premier League games at Villa Park. They are an electrifying record for the team.
It also showed why England manager Thomas Tuchel rates Rodgers so highly and is insistent that the Villa forward play in the World Cup ahead of his boyhood friend Jude Bellingham. Rodgers is an extraordinary player and, most importantly, Villa weren’t at their best so he was rather lucky to step up and win when Villa needed him the most.
Manchester United played well for the majority of the match, but lacked the decisive, game-changing moments of brilliance that should be in the club’s DNA. Matheus Cunha equalized with a superb goal, but missed a clear-cut opportunity to give United their second equaliser.
read more: Morgan Rodgers beats toothless Manchester United as Aston Villa’s winning streak continues – 5 talking pointsread more: Manchester United inflict injury on Bruno Fernandes, leading to star player being sent off
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More worryingly, Bruno Fernandes was sent off at half-time after stretching his legs. If he were to be out for an extended period, it would be a worry for United’s squad, which is already without Brian Mbeumo and Amad, who are both absent on AFCON duty. It may have seemed like a chance for Koby Mainu, but he missed the trip to Villa Park with a calf injury.
Cynics may suspect that his absence comes just days after his younger brother wore a ‘Free Coby Mainu’ T-shirt in protest at his continued omission from United’s starting lineup. But no business owner would cut off his nose to disfigure his face.
Ruben Amorim also needs all the help he can get. Another blank for Benjamin Sesco, the £74m striker who is yet to feature at Old Trafford.
Amorim cut a frustrating figure as he threw in youngster Shea Lacey, who is set to make his senior debut, and Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder Darren, who is still on the staff. However, even though Villa were tired, United could not find a way back.
Rodgers is back on top and so far he seems unstoppable. For club and country.
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After a quick start for Villa, his first goal lit up the whole match. Then Rodgers hit. When John McGinn sent a long ball, Rodgers’ heavy touch almost caused it to drift away, but he showed his speed and tenacity to push the ball home.
Rodgers then darted in from the left, cut inside and fired a sensational shot into the top corner to give Villa the lead in the 45th minute. However, United equalized within the first three minutes and at the end of first-half stoppage time.
Matty Cash felt he was under pressure, but Patrick Dorg touched Cunha, who braced himself and finished smartly into the far corner. Villa took the lead again in the 57th minute.
Youri Tielemans crossed the ball, Ollie Watkins could not control it, but Rodgers caught it and again put a great shot into the top corner. This is also a Rogers Christmas cracker. Transparent brilliance. Cunha managed to head Dorgu’s cross to level the score again, and Villa defended well.
United will play much worse and win. It wasn’t a day of crisis for Amorim, but it was a game that highlighted the dependence on Fernandes, the ever-growing list of absences and Sesco’s constant struggles. Villa, in contrast, had their worst start in 28 years and were in complete disarray, but now have incredible momentum.
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