The first opportunity to score fell to Cunha, who had space to work with but failed to achieve the necessary curl on his shot, which went just wide of the post.
Villa, buoyed by six consecutive Premier League home victories, quickly looked to assert their dominance when Manuel Ugarte was dispossessed. An alert Senne Lammens managed to thwart a shot from John McGinn, with defender Ayden Heaven clearing the danger just as Ollie Watkins was poised to pounce, but the threat was not completely neutralized.
From the ensuing corner, Ian Maatsen connected well at the back post, and his powerful effort deflected off Rogers’s heel. The quick flick he attempted narrowly missed the post on its way out.
Despite the pressure, United showed no signs of simply absorbing attacks from a formidable opponent at home.
Emi Martinez delivered an impressive performance, thwarting Benjamin Sesko, who then attempted to turn quickly but ended up putting the ball just too far wide as Matty Cash collided with his keeper.
The Villa supporters, accustomed to their team’s winning streak since August, were beginning to show signs of frustration as United maintained a relentless defensive pressure, effectively closing down their options and creating significant attacking opportunities.
Cunha, regaining his form in the Midlands, took another shot from distance. He was soon followed by Fernandes, who sparked concern among fans after pulling up moments earlier. However, he regained composure, shifted the ball to his left, and fired a shot.
Ezri Konsa had to throw himself in front of the strike, and shortly thereafter, it was his fellow England teammate Rogers who gained the spotlight, igniting the match’s intensity.
Rogers, having been largely quiet throughout the game, came to life as he deftly cut inside and confidently unleashed a superb strike that found the corner of the net from the edge of the area, sending the crowd into a frenzy. However, the festive atmosphere was about to become even more spirited.
Cunha seized his moment when Dorgu dispossessed Cash, setting up an opportunity for the forward, who fired a well-placed shot beyond Martinez’s reach. It was a well-deserved goal for United after their efforts in the first half.
