Morgan Rogers reacts to Martinez v Nunez post after Aston Villa and Liverpool draw
Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers has reacted to a social media post from his teammate Emi Martinez after their clash with Liverpool.
Rogers was forced into an unfamiliar role on the right-wing against Liverpool to accommodate for January signing from PSG Marco Asensio.
The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes against the Reds, failing to have the impact that has become so expected of him this season.
The first talking point of the match came in the 22nd minute when Axel Disasi lashed out at Alexis Mac Allister, as the two players jostled for position in the box, prior to a Villa corner.
Keith Hackett told Football Insider exclusively, that referee Craig Pawson’s failure to act against Mac Allister holding Disasi caused the incident.
Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 29th minute, scoring a simple tap-in, assisted by Diogo Jota.
Villa responded strongly, with Youri Tielemans equalising in the 38th minute, and Ollie Watkins headed past Alisson on the stroke of half-time to give the Midlands club the lead.
Trent Alexander-Arnold restored parity in the 61st minute, finishing past Martinez with a well-struck effort, assisted by Salah.
Emi Martinez late-game heroics save Aston Villa against Liverpool
Following the game, Martinez posted a series of photos on his Instagram of himself in action against the table-topping Reds, with Rogers liking the post.
The Yashin Trophy holder and World Cup Golden Glove winner has ascended from Arsenal reserve goalkeeper to one of the world’s best in recent seasons.
The Argentinean shot-stopper was on hand to deliver another stellar performance for his side, keeping out a Darwin Nunez effort late on that looked goalbound.
Despite conceding twice, Martinez’s distribution was a key factor in Villa’s attacking play against Liverpool.
Morgan Rogers struggles in unfamiliar right-wing role for Aston Villa
Rogers has been brilliant for Villa this season, scoring six and assisting four, whilst often being the figurehead that Emery has based his attacking build-up around.
However, against Liverpool the England international struggled to get involved in the play as much as he may have liked, and failed to influence the game.
| Stats vs Liverpool | Morgan Rogers |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Shots/On target | 1/0 |
| Crosses/Accurate | 3/0 |
| Dribbles/Successful | 4/7 |
| Passes/Accurate | 30/21 |
Asensio was taken off in the 67th minute, giving Rogers the opportunity to move inside to his preferred role behind Watkins, but the move failed to have the impact Emery may have hoped for.