‘Fighter’ Rogers shows importance as Villa stay in title race

Rogers has scored 21 goals in all competitions since the start of last season.

Today, at the age of 23 years and 148 days, he became the youngest player to score 20 or more goals for a senior team during this period.

Emery said Rogers was Villa’s “fighting” “hero” and had received on-pitch rewards for his efforts.

“He’s a great guy and a great player because he loves football,” Emery told BBC Match of the Day.

“Morgan loves to work. He is a hard worker and raises his level professionally to a high level.

“He started the season without scoring any points but he did a good job, always showed his attitude and scored goals.”

Rogers is Villa’s top scorer in the Premier League with seven goals, including four in their last two games.

In fact, he became the first Villa player since Dion Dublin in November 1998 to score two or more goals in consecutive Premier League matches.

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney said Rogers had “come into his own” last month.

“He’s a physically strong kid. He runs well with the ball and scores great goals,” Rooney said. he said.

“He’s playing really well. It’s clear he’s become a leading player for Aston Villa.”

Former Leeds and England forward Sue Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live that Rogers’ first touch was “brilliant” and that when matches were decided by razor-thin margins, he was “capable of producing those magnificent moments” to decide the outcome.

Former Aston Villa and England midfielder Paul Merson agreed, describing Morgan as a “game changer” who could provide the “X factor”.