Rogers' Rampage Secures Vital Villa Victory
Morgan Rogers was the undisputed hero for Aston Villa, scoring both goals in a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win against Leeds United at a packed Elland Road on November 23. The England international's brilliant brace turned the game on its head, earning his side three valuable Premier League points.
Emery Explains Rogers' 'Angry' Mindset
After the match, Villa manager Unai Emery provided a fascinating insight into his player's mentality. He revealed that Rogers was both 'hungry and angry to score' following a challenging start to the season. This determined mindset paid dividends, with the young forward showcasing his quality when it mattered most.
Emery elaborated on his star's importance, stating, "His impact was positive with goals. Always he plays well. Maybe today he showed that he is angry to score. Being angry, he scored two goals, focusing on how he could get numbers." The manager went on to praise Rogers' versatility and consistent tactical work, emphasising that the player is crucial to the team whether he is on the scoresheet or not.
A Tale of Two Goals
Rogers' equaliser was a moment of sheer ingenuity, a clever flick at the near post that left the Leeds defence stunned. He then completed the turnaround with a spectacular free-kick, a strike that echoed a previous set-piece success from teammate Emi Buendia against Bournemouth.
This performance was a stark contrast to his early-season struggles, where he found it difficult to replicate the impressive form of the previous campaign. Last term, Rogers contributed 27 goals and assists across all competitions, a tally Emery confidently believes he can match again this year.
Emery also expressed his overall satisfaction with the team's structure and discipline at Elland Road. He noted that the players performed with personality and looked comfortable in their positions. However, he remained grounded about the club's ambitions, reiterating that while Villa will fight to compete for top positions, they are not yet contenders for the top four or six.