Ask Onix
Aston Villa secure victory with Morgan Rogers' double
Aston Villa extended their winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions, their longest run as a top-flight club since 1914, after defeating Manchester United 2-1 on Sunday. Forward Morgan Rogers scored both goals, including a stunning opener, to lead his team to victory.
Rogers' standout performance draws praise
The 23-year-old has now netted 21 goals since the start of last season, making him the youngest player to reach 20 goals for a top-flight team during this period. His recent form has caught the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel, with Rogers potentially in contention for a key role in the national team.
Unai Emery, Aston Villa's manager, hailed Rogers as the team's "protagonist" and a "fighter" who consistently delivers on the pitch. "He's a fantastic guy and a fantastic player because he loves football," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "Morgan loves work. He's a hard worker and he's increasing his level professionally to a high level."
Record-breaking form fuels Villa's title hopes
Rogers is Aston Villa's top scorer in the Premier League this season with seven goals, including four in his last two matches. He became the first Villa player to score two or more goals in consecutive Premier League games since Dion Dublin in November 1998.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney praised Rogers' recent performances, stating that the young forward has "come into his own" over the past month. "Physically, he's a strong lad. He runs with the ball well and he's scoring some great goals," Rooney said. "He is playing really well. He's obviously become the main player for Aston Villa."
"His first touch is perfect. When games are decided by fine margins, he's capable of producing those brilliant moments to settle the outcome."
Sue Smith, former Leeds and England forward
England ambitions and stiff competition
Rogers, who has represented England from the under-15 to under-21 levels, made his senior debut in November 2024 and has since earned 12 caps. He scored his first international goal in a 3-0 victory over Wales in October, positioning himself as a contender for the number 10 role, currently held by Jude Bellingham.
Despite the competition, Rogers remains focused on his own performance. "There's a whole heap of quality out there and I'm just trying to compete. I'm just giving my all," he told BBC Match of the Day. "I just focus on myself and try to improve, find my form, find my best level every game, and see where that takes me."
Emery plays down title talk despite strong form
Aston Villa's win propelled them to third place in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind second-placed Manchester City. However, Emery urged caution, dismissing suggestions that Villa are title contenders.
"We have played a lot of teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. Of course, we beat them here, but they have massive things tactically with players on a high level," Emery said. "We are not [a] contender. We are here because we are competing fantastically. The players are really focusing each match with what we are trying to set and being consistent. But we are not [a] contender to be there."
