Morgan Rogers shines for Aston Villa who suffer defeat against Arsenal

Aston Villa were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday evening. In an even game that saw both teams squander chances it was the visitors who ran away with the three points. Despite the score line, both sets of fans were left in awe by the performance of one player in particular.

Morgan Rogers was that outstanding performer. The man signed from Middlesbrough for just £8 million in January had his best game in a Villa shirt so far as he ran the game and caused the Arsenal defence problems all afternoon. Jamie Redknapp described him as 'unplayable' when complimenting the England youth internationals performance.

Unfortunately for Rogers and Villa, it was Arsenal who reigned victorious this weekend after goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey gave the Gunners their first away win of the season. Despite the score, Villa fans will be pleased with the way their team performed. Ollie Watkins missed a glorious chance in the first half, missing a half-open goal from 12 yards out after being set up by Rogers.

The second half again saw Villa go agonisingly close to taking the lead. Amadou Onana's effort from outside the box deflected onto the crossbar and the ball fell to Watkins who again was unable to convert. His diving header from the rebound off the bar was begging to be headed into the corner but he could only head it down the middle of the goal and David Raya produced a very good save to keep Arsenal level. Ezri Konsa also went close with a first-time volley at the back post from a free-kick that went narrowly past the post.

After squandering their opportunities to take the lead, Arsenal made Villa pay in the 67th minute as substitute Trossard scored with his first touch after coming into the game. Saka's pull-back from the byeline found its way to the Belgian international who guided the ball past Emi Martinez into the bottom corner with his right foot. Ten minutes later, Thomas Partey doubled Arsenal's lead with a shot from outside the box. His low curler squeezed past the desperate dive of Martinez as the ball slipped through his hands and in off the post.

Despite beating Arsenal twice last season, the performance during today's match was better than both that beat the Gunners last season according to a large portion of the fans. Villa were patient as usual from the back but were also controlled and solid out of possession. The home side could have easily been two or three goals up prior to Trossard's opening goal and the fact that Villa matched one of the top two teams in the country has given plenty of reason to be optimistic about the clubs chances this season.

As mentioned, the star man during today's game was Villa forward Morgan Rogers. The former Manchester City player was brave in possession and wanted to run at the Arsenal defence on every occasion. Tipped by 1874 Aston Villa podcast host Dan Bardell to play for England this season, and compared to 'Gazza' by Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge, Rogers has carried on his fine form from last season. With England interim manager Lee Carsley in attendance at Villa Park, the youngster did all he could to put on a dazzling display.

The 22-year-old, who Middlesbrough fans claimed wasn't good enough for the Premier League when he left Teesside in January, has scored three goals for the club so far but is keen to improve his game further:

""I feel like I'm getting better and better and more comfortable in the team. I've done pretty well today but I want to go better, get better and score goals.""

- Morgan Rogers

The result means that Arsenal have a 100% record from their opening two games whilst Villa sit in the bottom half with three points. Villa's next game is away at newly promoted Leicester City next Saturday.

UTV