The Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough was not short on drama, but one of the most intriguing subplots involved a player who wasn't even on the pitch—Aston Villa's new signing, Morgan Rogers.
In a tense penalty shootout that ultimately saw Chelsea crowned champions, Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick made the surprising decision not to call upon Rogers, who was still officially a Boro player at the time of the Wembley final. The young forward was an unused substitute, watching on as his teammates fell to a heartbreaking defeat.
Carrick's Calculated Decision
Speaking after the match, Carrick provided a clear and pragmatic explanation for the snub. He revealed that Rogers's mind was already elsewhere, with his big-money transfer to Aston Villa effectively complete and awaiting only formal ratification.
"His head was probably a little bit all over the place, if I'm honest," Carrick stated. "It was a unique situation. The deal was agreed, and we felt it was the right thing to do for the group and for Morgan himself."
The Boro boss emphasised that the choice was a tactical one, made to preserve the focus and cohesion of the team preparing for the high-pressure situation. He insisted there was no falling out and that the decision was made with the player's understanding.
A Bizarre Wembley Limbo
The situation placed Rogers in a strange limbo. Dressed in the Middlesbrough kit and sitting on the bench, his future already lay 200 miles away at Villa Park. The much-discussed transfer, worth an initial £8 million potentially rising to £16 million with add-ons, had been agreed upon just days before the showcase final.
Despite being one of the club's key assets throughout their cup run, contributing goals and assists, Rogers did not get a final chance to make his mark for Boro. Fans were left to wonder what might have been had the promising 21-year-old stepped up to the spot.
Villa's New Weapon Looks On
For Aston Villa fans watching, the event provided an early, albeit unusual, introduction to their latest attacking acquisition. Rogers's arrival is seen as a key part of Unai Emery's plan to add depth and quality to the squad for their push in the Premier League and Europa Conference League.
While his Middlesbrough career ended in the most peculiar of circumstances, the focus for Rogers is now squarely on the future. Villa supporters will be eager to see if he can bring his EFL Cup form—just not in a penalty shootout for his former club.
