Unai Emery says 'hunger and anger' drove Morgan Rogers to Aston Villa double
Unai Emery reckons Morgan Rogers’ hunger - and anger - for goals helped Villa shoot down Leeds.
The England international bagged both as Villa fought back from a goal down to win at Elland Road and continue their surge up the Premier League table.
Rogers, who had scored just once in the top flight this season, levelled things up when he deftly flicked home Donyell Malen’s cross just after half-time.
And he then netted a brilliant free-kick to earn Villa their sixth win in seven league matches.
Emery said: “He was angry because he didn’t score and hungry because he wanted both.”
Rogers, playing for the first time in Villa colours since signing a new six-year contract, netted twice in a league match for the first time in his career.
And boss Emery backed the 23-year-old to keep hitting the target.
“He is a player who can get numbers,” he said. “Last year he got double numbers for goals and assists. This year I think he will get this again.
“He was playing fantastic before this match, not getting numbers, but helping the team. With those goals today, it’s more brilliant.
“I think Morgan is very important when he is scoring and when he is not scoring. He is working tactically, being versatile and performing very consistently.
“Through numbers it is more brilliant and really relevant, his work today. His impact was positive with goals. Always he plays well. He does his task and he is versatile across different positions.
“Maybe today he showed that he is angry to score. Being angry he scored two goals, focusing on how he could get numbers. He did it, helping the team and for our victory today.”
Villa had fallen behind early to Lukas Nmecha’s eighth-minute goal before fighting back and Emery
“Overall, I am happy with the team. Through our structure, tactically, we were disciplined and organised. We played with personality. Each player felt comfortable in their best position and getting confidence.
“There is still some work to do for some players, but how we are progressively getting better is really something I am proud of. I am very demanding in our way because now we are better in the table.
“My message is the same. We are not contenders for the top six or top four. We fought fantastic to be there or competing for those positions. Now we want to do the same.”
