Ally McCoist in love with what Aston Villa star did vs Leeds United – ‘You talk about Ronaldo…’
Ally McCoist was full of praise for Morgan Rogers after the England international scored a stunning free-kick against Leeds United on Sunday.
Aston Villa beat Leeds 2-1, with Unai Emery‘s side coming from behind to earn a huge three points at Elland Road on 23 November.
The Villans had gone behind after Lukas Nmecha scored within just eight minutes, but the visitors fought back in the second half and levelled the scores through Rogers.
Rogers was compared to Gareth Bale after his performance on Sunday, with the midfielder later adding his second to put Emery’s side ahead.
Donyell Malen was praised for his impact off the bench against Leeds, with the Netherlands international again making the case that he should be starting for Villa.
Ally McCoist hails Morgan Rogers for ‘genius’ moment
Rogers was slammed for his early-season performances for Villa, with the midfielder looking a shadow of his former self.
The England international had been such a difference-maker for Emery’s side last season, but looked to have hit a real rut.
However, the last two months have seen Rogers start to return to form, and on Sunday, he once again looked back to his incredible best.
| Morgan Rogers | Vs Leeds United (A) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Accurate passes | 13/20 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 4/9 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
The 23-year-old netted twice and was a constant thorn in the side of Leeds, with the home side unable to get anywhere near him.
His first goal was a clever finish to lift the ball over Lucas Perri, but the second was absolutely exceptional.
Lining up a free-kick from just outside of the box, Rogers expertly struck the ball over the wall and into the back of the net, with the Leeds goalkeeper stranded.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday, McCoist said: “Genius, Morgan Rogers’ free-kick. What a goal this is. If you’ve not watched it, make sure you watch it.
“You talk about Ronaldo and these boys hitting free-kicks. He comes up and does the exact same thing with his instep; he just kind of punches it, and it goes up, over the wall.
“Brilliant goal, brilliant goal, deserved to win any game.”
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Staggering stat will stun Villa fans
Villa have now scored two direct free-kicks in consecutive Premier League games, with Emi Buendia netting before the international break against Bournemouth.
The Argentine’s was very similar, too, hitting the ball with the same technique to lift it over the wall and into the net.
Rogers admitted as much, telling BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday that he “tried to replicate Emi Buendia”.
According to AVFCStatto, Villa had only scored three direct free-kicks in their previous 238 Premier League games before the game against Bournemouth, a startling change.
Rogers was keen to congratulate set-piece coach Austin MacPhee after his goal on Sunday, with free-kicks undoubtedly having been on the agenda in training.
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