Rogers shows importance as Villa stay in title race

Morgan Rogers described Unai Emery as a “genius”, yet it’s the Aston Villa forward’s own footballing intelligence that has driven the club’s best spell in well over a century.

Villa extended their winning run to 10 matches in all competitions their longest as a top-flight side since 1914 by beating Manchester United 2-1 on Sunday.

Rogers scored both Villa goals, including a brilliant opener, as the 23-year-old produced another eye-catching display.

Those performances have already put him on the radar as a possible factor in England boss Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup thinking.

And if his level keeps climbing, who’s to say Rogers’ momentum can’t help Villa edge into genuine Premier League title conversation?

Villa's 'fighter' and 'protagonist'

Rogers has now produced 21 goals in all competitions since the beginning of last season.

At 23 years and 148 days, he is the youngest player to reach 20+ goals for a top-flight club across this period.

Emery has labelled Rogers Villa’s “protagonist” a “fighter” whose relentless effort is being rewarded with real end product.

"He's a fantastic guy and a fantastic player because he loves football," Emery told BBC Match of the Day.

"Morgan loves work. He's a hard worker and he's increasing his level professionally to a high level.

"He started the season not getting numbers but doing well, always showing his attitude and he scored goals."

Rogers is Villa’s leading Premier League scorer with seven goals, four of them arriving across his last two outings.

He also became the first Villa player to score two or more in consecutive Premier League appearances since Dion Dublin did so in November 1998.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said Rogers has “come into his own” over the past month.

"Physically, he's a strong lad. He runs with the ball well and he's scoring some great goals," Rooney said.

"He is playing really well. He's obviously become the main player for Aston Villa."

Ex-Leeds and England forward Sue Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live that Rogers’ first touch “is perfect” and, in matches decided by fine margins, he’s “capable of producing those brilliant moments” that swing the outcome.

Former Aston Villa and England midfielder Paul Merson agreed, calling Rogers a “game changer” who adds the “X factor”.

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Where is he in England reckoning?

Rogers has represented England at every youth level from under-15 through to the under-21s, before making his senior debut against Greece in November 2024.

He has earned 12 caps, scored his first England goal in a 3-0 win over Wales in October, and has worked his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans viewed as competition for Jude Bellingham in the number 10 role.

Rogers knows the fight for places is fierce.

"There's a whole heap of quality out there and I'm just trying to compete. I'm just giving my all," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"I just focus on myself and try to improve, find my form, find my best level every game, and see where that takes me."

Rooney, a former England international, said Rogers is “showing signs of being a top player” and has done enough to keep his spot.

"He's certainly put himself in a great position to show Thomas Tuchel that he deserves to play," said Rooney, who scored 53 goals in 120 appearances for the Three Lions.

"He's also played the last few games for England and he hasn't done anything wrong to lose that spot."

Villa’s victory also strengthened their grip on third place in the Premier League three points behind leaders Arsenal and one behind second-placed Manchester City.

Even so, Emery played down any suggestion that Villa are genuine title challengers, insisting it is not “our reality” and urging his squad to stay grounded.

"We have played a lot of teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. Of course, we beat them here but they have massive things tactically with players on a high level," he said.

"We are not [a] contender. We are here because we are competing fantastic. The players are really focusing each match with what we are trying to set and being consistent. But we are not [a] contender to be there."