Chelsea’s trip to Aston Villa was a big game for many reasons, but for Morgan Rogers, the night ended in failure as his side were beaten 4-1 and he failed to catch the eye.
Wednesday night’s clash was a huge game for Chelsea, as the Blues looked to reignite their hopes of a top-five finish. Two points from their last three Premier League games allowed Liverpool to overtake.
But Chelsea are back in fifth after a Joao Pedro hat-trick and a Cole Palmer goal, earning a 4-1 win for the Blues at Villa Park. Pressure is lifted off of Liam Rosenior, who made some brave decisions to get the win.
Say Morgan Rogers signs for Chelsea – who are you dropping from the XI to fit him in?
Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers at Chelsea
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
For Morgan Rogers, it was an opportunity. The England star has been linked with a £100m Chelsea move and Wednesday night was the chance to showcase his talents in front of Chelsea’s squad and Rosenior.
The stats: Morgan Rogers flops as Chelsea cruise past Aston Villa
Rogers is being strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and the possibility of becoming the third player to cost nine figures or more during the Todd Boehly era, after Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Morgan Rogers v Chelsea.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
But Rogers flopped. No player on the pitch lost more duels, failing to win one at all. He competed in seven duels and lost all seven. Rogers attempted two dribbles and on both occasions was dispossessed.
In terms of XG+XA, expected goals and expected assists, Rogers managed just 0.14. 14 players had a better rating. Ultimately, Rogers had the chance to shine in front of his main suitors, and failed to do so.
Do Chelsea need Morgan Rogers this summer?
Clearly, some areas need improvement this summer. Filip Jorgensen replaced Robert Sanchez in goal last night and did well, but the chances are a new shot-stopper is required, even if that is Mike Penders.
A centre-back is crucial, too. For all the praise Chelsea are earning, it was another game in which Chelsea failed to keep a clean sheet. The Blues are expected to be in the market for a goalkeeper and a defender.
Morgan Rogers on the left, Cole Palmer in the No.10 and Estevao on the right 🤩
What do you make of that attack? 🔥
Morgan Rogers transfer rumour graphic
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Pedro is doing his best to show Chelsea they don’t need to sign a striker, but depth in the middle of the park could be required given Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo’s injury issues. But do Chelsea need a 10?
Do they really need to blow a nine-figure sum on Rogers? Chelsea could do with competition for Cole Palmer, a backup option. But it needs to be a player happy to play back-up to Palmer, not to start.
There is no doubt that even after a poor display last night, Rogers would be a good signing for any club. But Chelsea would be better advised signing a player not as expensive to simply play second fiddle.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox