Morgan Rogers ‘lucky’ to avoid punishment in Aston Villa vs Manchester City as footage emerges – ‘Severe’
Morgan Rogers was integral to Aston Villa in their clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Villa faced off with Man City at Villa Park as the home side got back on the winning trail after defeat last time out, with a huge 1-0 victory.
Go Ahead Eagles beat Villa 2-1 in the Europa League as Evann Guessand’s first-half strike ultimately counted for nothing in the Netherlands.
Unai Emery’s side had a similar start against City as Matty Cash put Villa ahead in controversial fashion against the Sky Blues.
Rogers thrived in the number 10 role against his former club, but was fortunate to get away without punishment in the first half.
Morgan Rogers lucky to give away penalty vs Manchester City
Rogers is in talks over a new Villa contract and has been given a new lease of life in recent weeks after a difficult start to the season.
The England international had looked frustrated in the early stages of the campaign, but has looked back to his usual self in claret and blue.
His positive form continued against Man City as he continuously picked up the ball in pockets of space ahead of their backline.
Rogers did almost let himself down in the late stage of the first half as he so nearly handed the away side a chance to level the score.
The attacking midfielder pushed Josko Gvardiol in the back with two hands, sending the Croatian hurtling inside the penalty area.
Michael Oliver missed this, and a spot kick was avoided, but Andy Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports Main Event on 26 October that the Villa man was fortunate, after watching footage of replays.
He said: “Rogers steps across his man, and there is a shove, a clear shove. He’s not playing the ball, he’s playing the man. He’s slightly fortunate to get away with it.
“The referee is looking through the player so he can’t see how severe that contact is, but he’s a lucky boy.“
Rogers made his own Aston Villa luck vs Manchester City
The 23-year-old has faced ironic cheers from his own supporters this year, such has been the frustration surrounding his performances.
That wasn’t the case against City, as Villa Park started to buzz and rise to its feet every time the Englishman got on the ball and turned.
Rogers was able to clock up 29 touches against his old side and, with that, maintained a 100 per cent dribble success rate while also completing four passes into the final third.
The Villa star also won five duels, to further showcase his influence in the Midlands against a top Citizens side.
This level of performance was justification in itself for some luck and getting away with what would have been a penalty on another day.
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