Morgan Rogers sends Aston Villa message after PGMOL expert tears into VAR
Morgan Rogers left a message for Aston Villa fans on social media as the side were emphatically beat by Crystal Palace despite a controversial VAR decision that went against him.
Aston Villa were beaten 4-1 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on 25 February leaving the side sit 10th in the Premier League.
Rogers managed to get on the scoresheet for Unai Emery’s side, equalising in the second half after Ismaila Sarr had given Palace the lead.
However, the hosts quickly responded as Jean-Philippe Mateta put them back in front before Sarr added a second and Eddie Nketiah rounded off the scoring in what turned out to be an embarrassing result for Villa.
The game wasn’t without controversy, as a key first-half incident sparked debate. Shortly after Palace’s opener, Rogers thought he had levelled the score when he finished off a move started by Ollie Watkins. However, VAR intervened and ruled the goal out for offside by the tightest of margins.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that he believes the rules should be changed after Watkins was called offside to favour attackers in such marginal situations, arguing that Rogers should have been given the benefit of the doubt.
| Match stats | Crystal Palace | Aston Villa |
| Possession | 36% | 64% |
| Shots | 19 | 6 |
| Big chances | 6 | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 4.31 | 0.38 |
| Shots on target | 6 | 2 |
Morgan Rogers shines despite Aston Villa setback
The 22-year-old took to Instagram after the match, posting on his story: “Not our night. Safe trip back everyone.”
Despite the heavy defeat, Rogers was one of Aston Villa’s standout performers, consistently driving forward and trying to spark something for his team.
The Englishman is active on social media regardless of the result, as seen when Rogers sent a message to Virgil van Dijk following Villa’s draw with Liverpool.
He is also enjoying a season of consistent game time, making 37 appearances and starting every match he has featured in so far.
Aston Villa hit by Champions League blow
Rogers has been a bright spark for Villa this season, registering 12 goals and six assists in all competitions. However, the team’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with just three wins in their last ten matches.
Despite being only four points off a Champions League place, Villa find themselves sitting in 10th, struggling to maintain their push for European qualification.
If Rogers can continue his impressive form, there is still hope that Emery’s side can remain in the fight for those crucial top spots.