Rogers double lifts Villa into Premier League top four as Newcastle dent Man.City's title bid

Morgan Rogers produced two excellent finishes to inspire an Aston Villa comeback to beat Leeds 2-1 at Elland Road on Sunday and move into the English Premier League's top four.

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Ollie Watkins celebrates after scoring Aston Villa's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

(AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Rogers has often been preferred this season by England manager Thomas Tuchel over Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, but had struck just once this season prior to his second-half double.

After failing to win any of their first five games of the season, Villa have now won six of their last seven in the Premier League to climb into the Champions League places.

Defeat leaves Leeds inside the relegation zone and they were left to rue not building on a fast start.

Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez pleaded in vain for a foul as he was challenged for a high ball by Anton Stach.

Ezri Konsa hooked the ball clear off his own line but the ball rebounded in off Lukas Nmecha.

Martinez made amends with a fine save to prevent Brenden Aaronson doubling the hosts' lead.

But Leeds’ energy dwindled in the second half after Rogers pulled Villa level just three minutes after the restart.