Toby Wilding

Thu 20 February 2025 12:27, UK

Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers has reacted to his contest with Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk in the 2-2 draw between the two sides.

Arne Slot‘s side made the trip to Villa Park on Wednesday night (19 February) looking to go ten points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool would go ahead through Mo Salah, with the winger continuing his outstanding individual campaign.

There had already been controversy when Aston Villa defender Axel Disasi avoided a red card after appearing to last out at Alexis Mac Allister.

Referee Craig Pawson was though also criticised for not penalising Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister for “holding” on Disasi.

After that an eventful first-half concluded with Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins scoring to put the hosts 2-1 up.

Trent Alexander-Arnold then equalised for Liverpool on the hour-mark, and neither side was able to find a winner in what remained of the game.

Morgan Rogers delivers Virgil van Dijk message

After the game, Rogers posted a message to Aston Villa fans on Instagram to reflect on the point his side took from the match.

He also appeared to indicate he enjoyed the chance to go up against one of the highest rated defenders in the Premier League in the form of Van Dijk.

In a seperate Instagram story, Rogers posted a picture of himself competing with the Liverpool centre-back for possession of the ball.

His caption for that post was then simply a series of laughing face emojis, suggesting he was at least pleased with his night’s work.

Liverpool frustrated by Aston Villa point

Football Insider Verdict

Arne Slot’s side will surely be disappointed by the fact they were unable to claim all three points from this match.

Had they done so it would have given them a major advantage in the race for the Premier League title.

As it is Arsenal now have a game in hand that if they win would see them close the gap to Liverpool to just five points.

That would certainly put the pressure on the Anfield club, who already showed signs of nerves in their win of Wolves at the weekend.

The gap closing even more would only add to those concerns, which would then potentially leave them at risk of some very costly errors.