(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Fri 15 May 2026 22:30, UK

Aston Villa drew first blood in their 4-2 win against Liverpool through an exceptional Morgan Rogers strike, though Jamie Carragher wasn’t left all that impressed.

After an extremely flat first 45, the Villans broke the deadlock through a well-worked set-piece routine, as Rogers curled a trademark finish to give his side the lead.

Many have been critical of the Englishman in recent weeks, who has just snapped a three-game streak without an attacking return in the Premier League.

While it’s true that the attacking midfielder can be hot and cold, there was simply no way that Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgio Mamardshvilli had a chance in saving his effort.

Carragher didn’t exactly criticise Rogers, but had a shocking take on the goal, despite watching it back several times.

Jamie Carragher clearly had Liverpool hat on for Morgan Rogers goal

Rogers hasn’t been at his best for Villa recently, but looks to be getting into form at an important time for the Villans.

Unai Emery has stuck by the 23-year-old all season, but this could be the latter’s final campaign at Villa Park, with overwhelming transfer interest present.

Rogers created four chances in the game, two of which were big opportunities, while also getting stuck in at the back with 10 defensive contributions, winning 75 per cent of his ground duels.

While speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher appeared to steal the shine away from Rogers’ goal, explaining that Mamardashvilli should’ve done better.

Carragher said: “They [Villa] were up to something, a lot goes into it before it comes here, but you still need the finish from Rogers.

“It doesn’t fly right into the top corner. I don’t want to be harsh on the goalkeeper, maybe he’s unsighted. Maybe I’m being harsh, but there’s something that doesn’t look right to me.”

As seen in the graphic above, Rogers had an expected goal rate of 0.05 for his first-half finish against Arne Slot’s side.

The Liverpool shot-stopper had a 0.25 xGOT faced for the effort, but it was truly always bending far away from his reach, as it was an unstoppable strike.

Rogers in form at perfect time

Rogers’ effort takes him to double figures for goals with 10 in the Premier League this season, and 16 attacking outputs in the league overall.

In all competitions, the England international is on 23 goal involvements and looks primed for a good performance next week against Freiburg.

Rogers already has six goals and assists combined in the Europa League, as his recent form shows he could be key for Villa’s first European trophy since 1982.

Carragher didn’t mention anything England-related about Rogers, but did make suggestions for Ollie Watkins to be called up for the World Cup.

Either way, Villa are headed to the Europa League final with good spirits, and two forwards in great form.