(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 21 September 2025 15:20, UK

Chris Sutton has been left unimpressed with an Aston Villa player during their Premier League clash at Sunderland.

Villa have had a struggling start to the season with just two points from their opening four matches, and an exit in the Carabao Cup by Brentford.

Unai Emery’s side headed to Sunderland looking for their first goal in the Premier League, even after Aston Villa had signed Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho to bolster their attack.

Reinildo Mandava was sent off in the first half for Sunderland, but Villa could not take advantage before half-time.

Morgan Rogers struggles for Aston Villa against Sunderland

One of Villa’s stars from last season, Morgan Rogers has been criticised for his display at Sunderland.

Rogers has struggled to create chances for Aston Villa this season, and his lack of creativity was showing at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking on Sky Sports, [21 September], Sutton has been left “surprised” by Rogers’ performances this season.

“Rogers has been lax so far today and I do not think he has covered himself in any glory at the start of the season,” Sutton said.

“There just seems to be a lack of urgency from him and I am surprised he has been so far off it.”

Rogers was linked with a move to Chelsea throughout the summer transfer window, and his head may have been turned by that interest.

Rogers poor start to the season

Across four Premier League matches this season, Rogers has not been a creative force for Villa, and has yet to score a goal either.

Rogers’ pass accuracy is also surprisingly low, suggesting the 23-year-old is giving possession away cheaply in the middle of the park.

With Elliott now an option in Emery’s ranks, the Spaniard can rotate between the two with Rogers in poor form.

Rogers’ inability to create chances is having a knockout effect to striker Ollie Watkins, wo scored 16 Premier League goals last season.

Emery needs to fix Rogers’ form if Villa’s performances and results are to improve.