Aston Villa’s Rogers Shines, Everton Faces Beto Dilemma

Aston Villa secured a thrilling comeback victory against Tottenham Hotspur, with Morgan Rogers playing a pivotal role in the match. Rogers scored his first goal of the season, helping to propel Villa to a 3-2 win on October 15, 2023. The young forward had faced criticism earlier in the season, but Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, displayed unwavering confidence in his abilities.

Rogers’ goal was a testament to his unique talent for finding space in challenging situations. Despite a rocky start, where he was even jeered by some fans, he has consistently demonstrated his potential. This season, he has been available to receive the ball between the lines a remarkable 78 times, more than any other player in the Premier League. This statistic underscores why Emery has remained steadfast in his support for Rogers, believing that his contributions will only improve.

In a press interview, Emery emphasized Rogers’ capabilities, stating, “He is a No 10. Whether playing inside or moving there from outside to inside, it is his best position.” The manager noted that while Rogers had a slow start to the season, his previous achievements, including 14 goals and 13 assists last year, prove he can turn his form around. “Keep going,” Emery advised Rogers during his struggles, reinforcing the importance of perseverance in challenging times.

While Villa celebrates Rogers’ resurgence, David Moyes faces a pressing dilemma at Everton concerning striker Beto. Despite his exceptional ability to create high-quality chances, Beto has struggled to convert these opportunities into goals. In Everton’s recent 2-0 loss to Manchester City, Beto missed two critical chances that could have altered the match’s outcome.

Moyes reflected on the missed opportunities, expressing concern over the team’s finishing ability. “I don’t know how many chances you get when you come to Man City, but certainly we have to take those opportunities,” he stated. Beto’s performance since joining the Premier League in the summer of 2023 has been a mixed bag; while he ranks sixth for expected goals per 90 minutes, he underperforms his expected goals more than any other player in the top ten.

The challenge for Moyes is striking a balance between Beto’s potential and the pressing need for goals. His ability to find space may not be matched by other players, yet with only one goal this season, Moyes’ patience may soon be tested.

Meanwhile, Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, celebrated a landmark victory against Liverpool, marking his first back-to-back Premier League wins. Amorim’s tactical decisions, including deploying Matheus Cunha as a central striker, proved effective against Liverpool’s defense. Cunha’s performance, along with contributions from players like Amad Diallo and Harry Maguire, played a significant role in United’s 2-1 triumph.

In the aftermath of the match, Amorim expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “All the small things were perfect.” He acknowledged the importance of adapting strategies to leverage players’ strengths, particularly highlighting Cunha’s ability to challenge the defense in diverse ways.

Bruno Fernandes also made headlines with his assist for Maguire’s winning goal, marking his first assist of the Premier League season. His overall contribution has been substantial, with 22 chances created this season, leading all players in the league. Since his debut for United in 2020, he has created significantly more chances than any other player, underscoring his value to the team.

As the Premier League season unfolds, the performances of players like Rogers and Cunha suggest that both Aston Villa and Manchester United are finding their rhythm, while Everton’s Beto continues to face a critical turning point in his career. The next matches will be crucial for all teams involved as they navigate the challenges of the league.