{"id":592052,"date":"2025-11-25T03:55:15","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T03:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/592052\/"},"modified":"2025-11-25T03:55:15","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T03:55:15","slug":"donyell-malen-makes-surprise-morgan-rogers-point-as-arsenal-challenge-discussed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/592052\/","title":{"rendered":"Donyell Malen makes surprise Morgan Rogers point as Arsenal challenge discussed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen hailed Morgan Rogers’ match-winning contribution against Leeds United\"DonyellDonyell Malen celebrating Morgan Rogers’ free-kick goal against Leeds United(Image: Anna Gowthorpe\/Shutterstock)<\/p>\n

Donyell Malen admitted that even he was surprised by Morgan Rogers\u2019 quality in scoring the stunning free-kick that secured Aston Villa<\/a> all three points at Leeds United.<\/p>\n

The England international<\/a> scored both of Villa\u2019s goals at Elland Road, with his first assisted by Malen, who flashed the ball to the near post, allowing Rogers<\/a> to flick it past Lucas Perri.<\/p>\n

It was an immediate impact from Malen, who came on at the start of the second half alongside compatriot Ian Maatsen.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was an amazing free-kick,\u201d Malen said after full-time. \u201cHe is a good player. The first goal he scored was a good finish.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the free-kick, I didn\u2019t even know he had that quality to be honest. The way he hit it was very similar to Buendia [vs Bournemouth].<\/p>\n

“I wasn\u2019t with them the last couple of days when they were training set pieces. Maybe he practiced it, maybe he didn\u2019t. But it went in, beautiful. It was an amazing free-kick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rogers signed a new contract with Villa earlier this month, committing his future to the club until 2031 on significantly improved terms.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think everyone is happy to be here and that is why they have signed contracts,\u201d Malen added. \u201cThe way we are performing, the energy in the dressing room and on the training ground, the whole team is having fun, so it\u2019s good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Villa\u2019s win over Leeds was their sixth in seven league games and their ninth victory in their last 11 matches across all competitions.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s closest challengers in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t 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,\u201d Malen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe we can achieve great things. The coach is very honest with us and he gives us clear goals. We are going for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

What do you make of Malen’s comments? Tell us here<\/a><\/strong>\"\"The latest Villa headlines sent straight to your phone<\/p>\n

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