The Athletic FC Podcast How Morgan Rogers is driving Villa's unlikely title charge
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Dec 22, 2025 Join football journalist Adam Crafton, known for his insightful club analysis, and Jack Pitt-Brooke, who offers data-driven perspectives, as they dive into Aston Villa's thrilling rise with Morgan Rogers leading the charge. They dissect Rogers' stunning performance against Manchester United and debate his potential role in the England squad alongside stars like Bellingham. The discussion also covers Villa's title hopes, the fallout from Wolves' dismal form, and the chaos of Spurs' latest match, revealing the intricacies of Premier League drama.
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Rogers Staking An England Claim
- Morgan Rogers has emerged as Aston Villa's standout player and is staking a claim for England with two superb goals against Manchester United.
- His form forces England selectors to consider him alongside established creative options like Foden and Bellingham.
Freedom Within A Structured Team
- Rogers blends flair with work-rate within Unai Emery's structured Villa team, earning extra freedom as their special player.
- Opponents will adapt to his left-cutting shots, so he must evolve as he attracts more attention.
Realistic Limits On Villa's Title Bid
- Villa's strong run is impressive but squad depth and fixture congestion, especially Europa League involvement, make sustaining a title charge unlikely.
- Adam expects City and Arsenal's quality and experience to tell across the season while Villa target top-four consistency.