Aston Villa have been transformed under Unai Emery and are now vying for Champions League qualification, following an impressive 3-1 victory against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The win has propelled Aston Villa back into the top four of the Premier League standings.
Morgan Rogers, who scored during the match, has emerged as a key player for Aston Villa this season. The 22-year-old forward, having started all eight domestic matches, has contributed two goals and two assists from his attacking midfield position. Reflecting on the performance against Fulham, Rogers stated, “I think it was definitely the best performance in the Premier League this season. We felt really strong, really comfortable out there, we were all on the same wavelength.”
Discussing the significance of the win following draws with Ipswich and Manchester United, Rogers remarked, “The manager wasn’t happy and we weren’t happy about those games. We were disappointed, so we knew we had to put it right.” The forward also emphasised the importance of being well-prepared for challenging opponents like Fulham.
Rogers has been building a strong partnership with fellow striker Ollie Watkins, saying, “It’s good to play with Ollie. We’re getting better and better playing together as a duo.” He acknowledged the contributions of teammates Jhon Durn and Emiliano Buenda, highlighting the team's efforts in training to enhance their combinations on the pitch.
The match featured a critical penalty save from goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez at a pivotal moment, which Rogers described as “a massive moment in the game.” He noted Martínez’s ability to rise to the occasion, stating, “That can completely change the game.”
When asked about Emery’s influence, Rogers praised the manager's tactical acumen, saying, “He breathes the game… he knows what we need to do to win.” He also mentioned the demanding nature of their training sessions and the personalised attention he receives from Emery and the coaching staff, which he believes contributes significantly to his development.
As the team prepares for their upcoming Champions League match against Bologna, Rogers expressed excitement about the competition, noting, “Champions League nights have been something special. It’s a different challenge for us back at home, in front of our fans for a Champions League night.”
The insights were featured in an interview with FourFourTwo, highlighting the positive trajectory of Aston Villa under Emery's management as they aim for further success this season.