Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers has delivered a measured response to a pivotal refereeing decision that went against his side during their heavy 4-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal on Tuesday night.
The Controversial Incident
The flashpoint occurred in the 58th minute at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal already leading by two goals. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who had been booked in the first half, dragged Rogers to the ground but was shown only a final warning by referee Darren England, avoiding a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.
Given Villa's remarkable record of coming from behind in all five of their away league wins this season, including a recent 4-3 victory at Brighton after being 2-0 down, the decision could have been a critical turning point. However, Rogers refused to blame the officiating for the final result.
Rogers' Philosophical Take
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the Villa attacker offered a balanced perspective. "I have my own opinion, but so does everyone else," Rogers stated. "That's just the way football is, some decisions go your way and some don't. The decision might be disappointing on our side, but there are probably other games where other teams are disappointed when we get decisions."
He added a note of self-awareness, saying, "I always have my own opinion, sometimes it might be right and sometimes it might be delusional." His ultimate conclusion was unequivocal: "The better team won today, so there can be no arguments."
Analysing the Defeat
Rogers praised Arsenal's relentless performance, acknowledging the quality of the league leaders. "It got difficult because they are such a good team. They are where they are in the league for a reason," he admitted.
He reflected on Villa's first-half display with pride, suggesting that on another day they might have capitalised on a key chance. "I thought we were really good in the first half... On another day we might've created one more clear-cut chance to maybe go in front."
However, he pinpointed the momentum shift after Arsenal's opening goal as decisive. "Nothing really changed on either side in the second half, but once you get that opening goal then the momentum comes with it... When the goals started coming thick and fast, you knew it was done."
Looking forward, Rogers insisted there was no shame in the loss and emphasised the need to regroup. "It's nothing bad to lose 4-1 to the best team in the league at the moment. We just have to dust ourselves down and be proud of the winning run we've been on."
