Aston Villa beat Manchester United 2-1 to extend their winning run, moving within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal
ASTON Villa strengthened their Premier League title credentials with a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers was the hero with two superb goals, his sixth in his last six league appearances, to secure Villa’s 10th consecutive win in all competitions.
Unai Emery’s side took the lead in the 45th minute through a brilliant Rogers curler after a swift counter-attack.
United equalised moments later when Matheus Cunha finished clinically after a defensive error by Matty Cash.
Rogers restored Villa’s advantage in the 57th minute, showing sharp instincts to pounce on a loose ball in the area.
The win moves third-placed Villa to within three points of leaders Arsenal and one behind Manchester City.
Villa are now on their best winning run in all competitions since 1914, having also won seven consecutive league matches for the first time since 1990.
Their title challenge is remarkable given they took just two points from their opening five league games this season.
Emery has made Villa Park a fortress, with the team suffering just one Premier League home defeat in 2025.
United’s defeat was compounded by the loss of captain Bruno Fernandes to a hamstring injury at half-time.
Manager Ruben Amorim was already without seven players due to injury, suspension, and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fernandes had recently stated that United “wanted me to go” when Al-Hilal made a summer bid for him.
United missed a golden early chance when Benjamin Sesko was denied by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Emery celebrated Rogers’ winner passionately, throwing his jacket into the air on the touchline.
Martinez preserved the lead with late saves from Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu, while Cunha headed a good chance wide.
United handed a debut to teenager Jack Fletcher, son of former midfielder Darren Fletcher, but it ended in defeat.
The result leaves seventh-placed United winless in their last two league matches.
