Morgan Rogers joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in January
Morgan Rogers joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in January

Morgan Rogers wows as Aston Villa draw 2-2 v Chelsea at Villa Park

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Aston Villa were dominant in the first half of their 2-2 draw with Chelsea, and second goalscorer Morgan Rogers came in for high praise from commentator Lucy Ward.

The TNT Sports pundit was pleased with the impact made by the 21-year-old forward, who fired home a low strike in the 42nd minute to put Aston Villa 2-0 up.

The recent signing from Middlesbrough achieved a 6.7 on SofaScore, and his goal, which squeezed through the legs of Trevor Chalobah and in at the near post, came with just 0.06 xG behind it.

Following an end-to-end first half, Ward's assessment was: "Villa have been clinical, Chelsea haven't."

On Rogers, she said: "Morgan Rogers has come into this side, bringing physicality and driving midfield runs which Unai Emery really likes.

"Villa move the ball quickly, get into some good positions and when they do get in there, they are not closed down."

Rogers is unsung hero for Aston Villa against Chelsea

Aston Villa faded significantly in the second half against Chelsea, seeing their 2-0 lead evaporate and eventually having to cling on for a draw in the final seconds.

Rogers also saw a downturn in performance as the game progressed, but having played the full 99 minutes in what's just his 10th Premier League appearance for the club, he was still one of Villa's best.

His overall rating of 6.7 came after scoring with his only shot on goal, as well as completing 70% of his 23 attempted passes - three of which created big chances for his teammates.

Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers only joined Aston Villa in January but has already made a significant impact.

Rogers' only attempted long ball was a success, and he also managed to win two ground duels, one in the air and a free-kick for good measure.

At half-time, he led the way on Sofascore with a 7.1 rating, which only captain John McGinn managed to equal by the end of the game.

Three goals in just seven Premier League starts certainly isn't bad for a forward previously untried and untested in the top flight, and if Aston Villa are to qualify for the Champions League next season, Rogers will have a vital role to play.

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