Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen hailed Morgan Rogers’ match-winning contribution against Leeds United
Donyell Malen celebrating Morgan Rogers’ free-kick goal against Leeds United(Image: Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock)
Donyell Malen admitted that even he was surprised by Morgan Rogers’ quality in scoring the stunning free-kick that secured Aston Villa all three points at Leeds United.
The England international scored both of Villa’s goals at Elland Road, with his first assisted by Malen, who flashed the ball to the near post, allowing Rogers to flick it past Lucas Perri.
It was an immediate impact from Malen, who came on at the start of the second half alongside compatriot Ian Maatsen.
Another substitute, Ross Barkley, then won a free-kick 15 minutes from time, providing Rogers with the chance to step up and net the first Premier League brace of his career, and he did just that by dipping the ball over the wall and under the crossbar.
“It was an amazing free-kick,” Malen said after full-time. “He is a good player. The first goal he scored was a good finish.
“With the free-kick, I didn’t even know he had that quality to be honest. The way he hit it was very similar to Buendia [vs Bournemouth].
“I wasn’t with them the last couple of days when they were training set pieces. Maybe he practiced it, maybe he didn’t. But it went in, beautiful. It was an amazing free-kick.”
Rogers signed a new contract with Villa earlier this month, committing his future to the club until 2031 on significantly improved terms.
“I think everyone is happy to be here and that is why they have signed contracts,” Malen added. “The way we are performing, the energy in the dressing room and on the training ground, the whole team is having fun, so it’s good.”
Villa’s win over Leeds was their sixth in seven league games and their ninth victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Just two points behind second-placed Chelsea, Villa have been in scintillating form in recent months. Malen was even asked about the possibility of the team emerging as Arsenal’s closest challengers in the coming weeks.
“I don’t know how many points they have, to be honest. We have to keep going, game by game, to keep this streak going. From there, we will see,” Malen said.
“We believe we can achieve great things. The coach is very honest with us and he gives us clear goals. We are going for them.
“Our coach was very honest and straight with us that we had to turn it around [start to the season]. Sometimes football is a rollercoaster and you never know what is going to happen. We worked really hard to turn it around and we did.”
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