Aston Villa climbed into the Champions League zone after a hard-fought 2–1 away win over struggling Leeds United in Matchweek 12 of the Premier League. Victory offered Villa a chance to leapfrog several rivals — and they took full advantage.

The visitors avoided the mistakes of Liverpool, who were shockingly thrashed by Nottingham Forest the day before, but Villa’s afternoon didn’t start smoothly. Leeds struck first through Felix Nmecha, putting pressure on the visitors heading into the break.

After halftime, Villa turned the game on its head thanks to a superb individual performance from Morgan Rogers. The young winger scored twice in quick succession, completing the comeback and showcasing the composure of a player rapidly growing in importance for Unai Emery’s side.

With the 2–1 victory, Aston Villa jump from ninth to fourth place — firmly into the Champions League positions — and continue to build momentum.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Leeds United - Aston Villa 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Nmecha L., 8 (1:0); Rogers M., 48 (1:1); Rogers M., 75 (1:2)

Leeds United: Perri; Bogle; Gudmundsson G.; Struijk; Rodon; Stach (Tanaka A., 23; Calvert-Lewin, 71); Ampadu; Longstaff S.; Aaronson (Piroe, 80); Okafor (Gnonto, 80); Nmecha L. (James D., 71)
Substitution: Tanaka A. (from 23 till 71); Calvert-Lewin (from 71); James D. (from 71); Piroe (from 80); Gnonto (from 80)
Bench: Darlow; Bijol; Justin; Gruev
Yellow Cards: Bogle 41; Tanaka A. 45; Ampadu 63; Struijk 74; Gnonto 89

Aston Villa: Martinez E.; Konsa; Digne (Maatsen I., 46); Torres Pau; Kamara B.; Cash; McGinn J. (Barkley, 69); Tielemans (Bogarde L., 84); Watkins (Sancho, 68); Buendia (Malen, 47); Rogers M.
Substitution: Maatsen I. (from 46); Malen (from 47); Sancho (from 68); Barkley (from 69); Bogarde L. (from 84)
Bench: Bizot; Lindelöf; Guessand
Yellow Cards: McGinn J. 53