Rogers added to Villa’s lead with a powerful low shot, having made City’s defenders slip in the first half before stepping up to unselfishly feed Jhon Duran to open the scoring.
This was the first ever Premier League game in which Rogers scored and assisted. It was his fourth goal of the season, and eighth in 28 league appearances for Villa.
Those aren’t huge numbers, but this was another in a string of matches where Rogers has put up more than the suggested numbers.
He clearly has faith in manager Unai Emery, who has started him in every league game this season, and both the player and the coach think he has more potential.
“I’m trying to thrive in the big games and I want to show what I’m about,” Rogers told TNT Sports after City’s win.
“Sometimes I will work hard and then struggle to find that quality and have that composure. This season I have missed a few chances that I would have liked to score.”
Emery added: “He played well today, it’s very important. Through him we restore the level because he connects the attackers with the midfielders and the wings. Today he was very good in the second half connecting the attackers and scoring goals.
“He has to add goals to his numbers, and today he was good.”
Away from the cool goal and assist figures, Rogers was almost unstoppable against City. His goal came minutes after he hit the post following a fine individual piece of work.
Immediately after scoring, he released Ollie Watkins with a brilliant through ball, but the striker was unable to make it 3-0 when he shot past the keeper.
Against City he took four shots, attempted five dribbles – and completed three – and touched six in the opposition area. In all those dimensions, he was at the top of Villa’s list.
Granted, this was all against a City defense bereft of confidence, but Rogers made the established internationals look like an over-40s team – and not a good one.
