Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen expressed his surprise and admiration for Morgan Rogers’ exceptional free-kick that secured a crucial victory against Leeds United at Elland Road. Rogers scored both of Villa’s goals in a 2-1 win, with his first goal assisted by Malen, who delivered a precise pass to the near post, enabling Rogers to flick the ball past the Leeds goalkeeper, Lucas Perri.
Malen made an immediate impact after coming on at the start of the second half alongside fellow substitute Ian Maatsen. Later in the match, Ross Barkley won a free-kick that Rogers expertly converted, curling the ball over the wall and into the net for his first Premier League brace.
Reflecting on the winning free-kick, Malen said, “It was an amazing free-kick. I honestly didn’t know he had that quality. The way he struck it reminded me of Buendia’s finish against Bournemouth. Whether he practiced or not, it was perfect.”
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Rogers recently committed his future to Aston Villa by signing a new long-term contract until 2031, a move that reflects the positive environment within the club. Malen added, “Everyone is happy to be here, which is why they are signing new contracts. The team’s energy, both on and off the pitch, is fantastic. We are really enjoying this run.”
Villa’s win marked their sixth victory in seven league matches and their ninth in the last 11 games across all competitions. Sitting just two points behind second-placed Chelsea, Villa have been in impressive form, prompting speculation about their potential to challenge Arsenal for a top spot.
Asked about the title race, Malen remained focused, stating, “I don’t keep track of the points exactly. We take it game by game, aiming to maintain our streak. We believe we can achieve great things because the coach sets clear goals and we are all committed.”
He added, “The coach was very honest from the start, telling us we needed to turn things around after a tough start. Football can be a rollercoaster, but we worked hard and managed to change our course.”