Aston Villa found themselves a goal down against Ipswich Town early in the first half in Suffolk. However, the Villains showed why they are the Premier League’s comeback kings, rallying to overturn the scoreline before the whistle for the break.
Liam Delap breached the Villa backline to slot home in the eighth minute, and the home fans erupted into ecstatic joy, but it was short-lived.
Seven minutes later, Villa striker Ollie Watkins fed Morgan Rogers, who showed good feet before beating Arijanet Muric in the Ipswich goal.
Rogers had an exciting first-half performance, popping up in fantastic positions and combining well with Watkins. He worked hard defensively, helping to cover passing lanes and chase down opposition players.
BBC Radio pundit and former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer lauded his excellent goal, saying, “Rogers’ touch on the ball is sublime. They get one opportunity, and they take it. Rogers and Watkins combining really well.”
Rogers has been fantastic for Villa this term, and even though he is beginning to rack up the numbers, it does not tell the full story of his impact.
His movement is intelligent, and he has the mobility to evade defenders who get too close to him. The 6ft2ins attacker is surprisingly agile. It gives him the edge in one-on-one situations.
Rogers has created four big chances in the Premier League, earning praise from manager Unai Emery for his recent performances. “His adaptation was fantastic, and he helped us a lot to be in the Champions League this year,” the Spaniard said. “He’s a very, very good example for his teammates, for the spirit we want, being intelligent in the recruitment and trying to do a plan with the players progressing like him.”
However, Emery will be worried about his fitness situation. He had come off in the 64th minute with possibly a tightness in his hamstring.
Striker Ollie Watkins bagged a second for Villa after being set up by Jamaican winger Leon Bailey. After a poor start to the season, the England international has been in fantastic form, recording goals against Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Tractor Boys.
