Malen dominates the night. He heads in a superb cross from Youri Tielemans to open the scoring. He adds his second goal just minutes before the break with a precise finish after a fine pass from Morgan Rogers. Malen believes briefly in a hat-trick when he taps in a Rogers cross, but the goal does not stand. Rogers starts his run from an offside position. Villa wastes several chances to extend the lead and later eases off to save energy. That shift invites Young Boys forward. Chris Bedia scores late with the visitors’ first shot on target, but the goal is ruled out after a long video review because of offside. Young Boys finally earn reward for their pressure. Gregory Wuthrich lifts a perfect ball behind the defence in the 90th minute. Joel Monteiro controls it on his chest and volleys past Emi Martinez. Villa holds on and rises to second in the league phase before the later kick-offs. Young Boys sit 24th with six points from five matches.
Malen’s impressive month continues
Villa steadies itself after early struggles in the season and in Europe. The win against Leeds lifts the team to fourth in the Premier League. Villa now wins ten of its last twelve matches. Malen plays a major part in that push. Since early November, the 26-year-old scores five goals in six games for club and country. Young Boys cannot cope with him on Thursday night. Malen links superbly with Rogers, who reads his runs with ease. He could have scored a treble, but Unai Emery substitutes him midway through the second half with Villa firmly in control. Malen’s strong form also eases pressure on Ollie Watkins. Watkins endures a difficult season and stays on one league goal. He enters for the final 30 minutes and forces a solid save but cannot score. Villa loses attacking sharpness after Malen and Rogers leave the field. The closing phase becomes tighter than necessary, yet Villa still secures the points.
