Morgan Rogers' outstanding display against Manchester City has rekindled fond memories among his former teammates at Lincoln City, where he enjoyed a brief yet impactful loan spell. Initially joining Lincoln on loan from Manchester City in January 2021, Rogers had yet to make a senior appearance prior to this move. The transition from youth football to the professional game can be daunting for many young players, but Rogers quickly demonstrated his readiness for the demands of senior football.
Michael Appleton, who managed Lincoln during Rogers' time at the club, commended the young forward's proactive attitude towards learning and competition. He recalled, "When we were working on opposition set pieces, Morgan would ask to mark the biggest players. He didn't mind contact or physical challenges. He wanted to learn and always asked questions in meetings. He turned up from City saying 'I just want to play football' and he had the technical quality, too. He would take the ball on his back foot and that allowed him to play forward quickly." Appleton noted that while Rogers was somewhat reserved, he possessed a strong belief in his abilities.
Following the match against City, scrutiny has intensified regarding the decision to allow yet another promising talent to slip through the club's fingers, particularly in light of Cole Palmer's recent transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Pep Guardiola, the City manager, acknowledged the club’s dominance in the league during that period, suggesting that teams often overlook potential talents, only to regret it later.
Rogers embodies the modern archetype of a Premier League forward, bringing versatility that Guardiola’s current squad appears to lack. The landscape of top-tier football has evolved, with clubs increasingly favouring players capable of fulfilling multiple attacking roles rather than adhering to traditional positions like No 9 or No 10. Alongside Jhon Duran, another goalscorer for Aston Villa, Rogers has been progressing in this versatile approach, both players acquired for a modest combined fee of under £25 million.
Statistics from FBref.com further highlight Rogers' influence on the pitch, showcasing four progressive carries, four created scoring opportunities, and two goals scored. Throughout the match, City struggled to contain his growing impact.
Unai Emery, Aston Villa's manager, has expressed a desire to field Ollie Watkins and Duran together, yet this repeated assertion raises questions about the practicality of such a strategy. Duran has established himself as the primary centre-forward, making it challenging for Emery to bench Rogers without disrupting team harmony. The potential inclusion of all three forwards could also jeopardise the team's balance.
As Rogers finds his footing within the squad, concerns arise for Watkins, who may need to reconsider his place in the lineup if sidelined. This situation presents a particular challenge for Guardiola and City as they assess their strategic options moving forward.
In the aftermath of the match, Rogers reflected on the team's performance against City, attributing their success to a collective sense of bravery. "I loved it," he stated. "The biggest thing for me is just to play with a smile on my face. I was getting too frustrated, especially in the games we were losing. Losing the ball happens, but getting too down about it? When I'm playing happy and free, I think that's when I'm at my best."
Rogers emphasised the importance of courage in their tactical approach against City, asserting, "Bravery was the big one today. Just be brave with the ball mainly and just what we're about. They're a good pressing team. They're good on the ball. But we're good on the ball, brave in possession and we want to play football the same way that they do. So why can't we?"
He noted Villa's moments of dominance in the second half, stating, "We showed why we can compete with anyone on our day. And it shows we probably need to be more consistent - because we can produce performances like that."
Meanwhile, City faces ongoing challenges, as Guardiola's decision to bench key players like Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne has drawn criticism. Although Walker came on at half-time due to an injury to John Stones, the team struggled for creativity and cohesion, culminating in their ninth defeat in twelve matches.