All the Stats, None of the Points, Manchester United Leave Villa Park Empty Handed

Villa Third at Christmas as Rogers Does It Again

Who would have thought it? Aston Villa sitting third in the league at Christmas, and fully deserving of it. Not because everything is perfect, far from it, but because this side just keeps finding ways to win.

This was not a comfortable afternoon. Manchester United were very good, probably better than many expected them to be, and certainly better than the final scoreline suggests. They had more of the ball, more of the chances, and for long spells they controlled the rhythm of the game. But Villa showed something that all top sides need: resilience.

We didn’t have it all our own way, and that is exactly why this win matters.

Two moments of pure quality decided the game, both supplied by Morgan Rogers. Two fabulous goals, taken with the confidence of a player who is in world-class form. When Villa needed composure, incision, Rogers delivered. 

There are still things to tidy up. We continue to concede silly goals, the kind that come from lapses rather than sustained pressure. If this team genuinely wants to push on and win the league, and that conversation is no longer ridiculous, those moments need cutting out. 

What stood out was how Villa responded to being second best. United forced us to defend deep at times, to work hard without the ball. Villa weren’t at their best, and that is the sign of a very good side. You don’t dominate every game across a season, but you can choose how you respond when you are under pressure.

The stats mostly favoured United: possession, shots, etc. They can have them. The most important stat was the one on the scoreboard. Suck it up, United.

This was not one for the neutral. It was tense, and often uncomfortable. Villa were not at their fluent best, but they got the job done. These are the wins that build belief inside a dressing room.

A special mention has to go to Morgan Rogers. Right now, he looks like the best player in England. A genuine head-turner. Every time he gets the ball, you feel something might happen. He keeps you on the edge of your seat because he can produce magic at any moment.

Villa must fend off any attempts to prise him away in the transfer window. Players like this do not come around often, and they do not belong anywhere.

Third at Christmas. Still learning. Still improving. Still winning. UTV

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