Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Morgan Rogers and Chelsea gave Mikel Arteta an early fright after they managed to score against his Arsenal side just two minutes into Sunday’s London derby.
Rogers, who was actually a target for the Gunners in the summer, hit a volley into the bottom corner of David Raya’s net to give Chelsea the perfect start.
Arsenal still managed to turn things around and win the game 2-1, but Arteta could not help but admire the strike.
Chelsea player ratings vs Arsenal
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta impressed with Morgan Rogers’ strike against Arsenal
Arteta does not think Arsenal helped themselves in the build-up to the goal; however, he was still impressed with Rogers’ hit.
In his post-match press conference, which has been shared by Arsenal’s official club website, the Spaniard said: “There is something we do badly when we concede that goal, that we discussed before. But credit to them as well, that from that ball in the air, somebody is able to put the ball very close to the post and score against David, which isn’t easy.”
Some questioned Chelsea’s decision to spend £117m on his signature in the summer transfer window, but Rogers is proving that he is worth the money.
He has had a goal involvement in all three of Chelsea’s Premier League games so far, scoring in their opener against Fulham before assisting Pedro Neto in the 4-3 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Morgan Rogers of Chelsea celebrates
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Morgan Rogers’ stats at the Emirates
Out of Chelsea’s incredible three-man attack, Rogers was Alonso’s most dangerous forward in the London derby.
As well as scoring, the 24-year-old also made one key pass, as per Sofascore. In total, he had three shots and also completed one dribble.
Joao Pedro’s hold-up play was good at times, but he did not really test Raya, while Cole Palmer had to drop really deep to try to influence the game.
In the final third and in Arsenal’s box, Rogers was the most effective. Against the best defence in the league — probably in the world — he did damage and that is promising if you are Alonso.
Rogers was Chelsea’s No.1 target during the summer, and they will be glad that they got him after the immediate impact he has made.