Winning at Elland Road was a big moment for Aston Villa in the 2025/26 season. Leeds United hadn’t yet revolutionised their tactical approach but going behind there and leaving with all three points was a milestone.
Villa, we learned, have a bit about them after all. They have a goal in them. They can overturn a deficit in the most hostile of away grounds and give their quality a chance to shine through.
It was also the day that the season really began for Morgan Rogers and he’s barely looked back since. The post-January chatter about Rogers’ future is already well underway – that’s not a criticism of the media because I intend to add to it soon – and Villa badly need him to lead by example when Leeds visit Villa Park on Saturday.
Unai Emery’s team are in the midst of a wobble and there’s no point in pretending that they aren’t. Incisive attacking play is at a premium and it’s vital that Rogers makes it count.
That’s what a £100 million player would do. Rogers is one of the most in-demand players in the Premier League and Emery needs him to demonstrate why as the battle for a Champions League place intensifies.
