Aston Villa extended their remarkable winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions, their longest in the top flight since 1914, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Villa Park.
Morgan Rogers proved the difference, curling in a fine opener just before half-time and repeating the feat in the second half after Matheus Cunha had briefly equalised following a defensive error by Matty Cash.
The in-form forward’s sixth goal in as many Premier League games sparked wild celebrations from manager Unai Emery, who tore off his coat and hurled it skywards as Villa moved to within three points of leaders Arsenal.
It was only their second home league win over United in 27 attempts and came despite a below-par performance from the hosts.
Manchester United’s miserable afternoon was compounded by injuries, with captain Bruno Fernandes substituted at half-time after pulling up with an apparent hamstring problem in the closing moments of the first period.
Fernandes limped gingerly to the dugout and faces a spell on the sidelines at a time when Ruben Amorim’s squad is already stretched thin, missing six senior players through injury, suspension and international duty. Kobbie Mainoo withdrew pre-match with a calf issue, forcing debuts for youngsters Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey from the bench.
Cunha headed United’s best chance wide from close range as the visitors threatened sporadically but ultimately lacked the firepower to mount a comeback.
