Aston Villa: Michah Richards sums up Morgan Rogers performance v Arsenal in one word
Morgan Rogers produced a statement performance as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-0 in one of the standout results of the Premier League season.
The January signing from Middlesbrough has been slowly eased into the side but is now showing why the Villans wanted him so badly.
Rogers may not have scored or assisted at Emirates Stadium, but he was a menace throughout and Arsenal could not cope with his runs.
Micah Richards summed up the youngster’s performance in one word on The Rest is Football podcast [15 April, 6m 1s]: “Outstanding.”
Morgan Rogers stars as Arsenal stunned by Aston Villa
Rogers completed three of his four dribble attempts against Arsenal – no player completed more – and completed 75 per cent of his passes.
Not only that, the 21-year-old was incredibly disciplined and helped out defensively. As per Sofascore, he won seven out of 12 duels.
Again, no Aston Villa player could top that, including the likes of Diego Carlos – who himself was sensational – and Pau Torres.
A lot of what Rogers does can go unnoticed, but he is a key component of what Unai Emery is trying to do in terms of building attacks.
Indeed, the Englishman has an 82-per-cent pass-accuracy rate at Villa, which climbs to 85 per cent in his own half.
Rogers played one through-ball against Arsenal [WhoScored] – only John McGinn registered more (two) – as he linked well with Ollie Watkins.
Micah Richards comments on Aston Villa display
As former Villa full-back Richards said: “The rotation between him and Watkins was great. When Watkins went in, Rogers would go up.”
The next step in Rogers’ development is to add more goals and assists to his game, albeit he already has two combined in eight league games.
Rogers showed that side of his game while at Middlesbrough. As per FBref, over the past 12 months, he has averaged 0.34 assists per 90.
That ranks him among the top 11 per cent of all attacking midfielders and wingers across the 14 divisions most similar to the Championship.
While Rogers may only have started five Premier League games, he is already showing the promise that could make him a star under Emery.
In other Aston Villa news, Don Goodman has mooted a four-player firesale may be required this summer.
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