Leeds United suffered a narrow 2–1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday despite a strong first-half performance at Elland Road, as Morgan Rogers’ second-half brace powered Villa to a comeback victory and a climb into the Premier League’s top four.
Leeds started brightly and went ahead in the eighth minute when Lukas Nmecha capitalised on a handling error from Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, bundling in the opener after Sean Longstaff’s free kick caused chaos in the box. The goal stood after a lengthy VAR review for potential offside and a foul on Martinez.
The hosts maintained control throughout the first half, pressing aggressively and limiting Villa’s chances. But Unai Emery’s double substitution at halftime shifted the momentum. Substitute Donyell Malen delivered a low, powerful cross that Morgan Rogers stretched to meet, steering home the equaliser just three minutes into the second half.
Leeds struggled to regain their rhythm, and Rogers completed the turnaround in the 75th minute with a superb free kick from the edge of the area after Pascal Struijk mistimed a challenge on Ross Barkley.
Leeds briefly celebrated what looked like an instant reply, but Dan James’ ball struck the arm of Dominic Calvert-Lewin before crossing the line, leading VAR to disallow the effort.
Pushed forward by a roaring Elland Road crowd, Leeds pressed late on, with Pascal Struijk forcing a sharp save from Martinez in stoppage time. But Villa held firm to claim their sixth win in seven league games.
The defeat leaves Leeds in the bottom three, having dropped five of their last six league fixtures, while Aston Villa’s resurgence continues as they push into the top four.
Reuters