Plain Excitement: Morgan Rogers on Sancho & Elliott’s Deadline-Day Boost”
Aston Villa may have stumbled out of the gates in the 2025–26 Premier League campaign, yet one voice within the squad is full of optimism. PFA Young Player of the Year Morgan Rogers has revealed what’s truly “exciting” about Villa’s deadline-day signings—and why he believes the turnaround is close at hand.
1. A Dizzying Early Season Dip
When the 2025–26 season kicked off, Aston Villa found themselves in unexpected turmoil, failing to score in their first three matches and suffering a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The poor start has raised alarm bells across Villa Park. Yet, even amid a flurry of fan frustration, Morgan Rogers remains undeterred—and full of belief.
2. The Signings That Sparked Hope
Villa’s summer window climaxed with two high-profile additions: Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott, both English internationals with something to prove. Rogers, who had already linked up with Elliott in the England youth setup, was quick to praise both new teammates.
“It’s just exciting, especially to play with English players who have also got something to prove … They bring creativity, they get fans off their seats and ultimately, that’s exciting.”
(Villa News)
Sancho’s proven flair and Elliott’s youthful drive, Rogers believes, will not only elevate the current squad but also bolster their own bids for spots in the national team. Their presence, Rogers suggests, is electric for both morale and performance.
3. Bringing Energy Amid Early Struggles
Despite a shaky start, Rogers hasn’t lost faith—particularly in the steadying influence of head coach Unai Emery. Emphasizing that three games are a small fraction of the season, Rogers is confident Villa will soon find their rhythm.
“It hasn’t been easy but it’s only been three games. We know what our level is, we know how good we can be … we’ll soar up the table soon, there’s no doubt about it.”
(Villa News)
A favourable run of fixtures—featuring two promoted teams within the next four matches—gives Villa a platform to climb back up. And with Sancho, Elliott, and the rest of the squad pulling together, momentum could shift quickly.
4. Context: Why This Matters
Rogers isn’t speaking in a vacuum. Let’s put it in perspective:
- Last season, Villa finished sixth in the Premier League, largely fueled by Rogers’s breakthrough—14 goals and 15 assists across all competitions earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year and the club’s Young Player of the Season awards.
(The Times, Wikipedia) - His rise was swift and impactful, especially considering his humble start: arriving from Middlesbrough for just £8 million during the January transfer window.
(The Times, Sky Sports, tntsports.co.uk) - Reflecting on that move, midfielder Donyell Malen and other January signings like Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi were credited by Rogers for their “outstanding” contributions in Villa’s push toward Champions League qualification.
(The Football Faithful)
This background highlights why Morgan Rogers’s endorsement of Sancho and Elliott carries weight—it’s coming from a player who knows what it means to perform under pressure and how transformative new talent can be.
5. Final Thoughts
As Villa look to recover their early-season form, their deadline-day moves have injected fresh energy and creativity. Morgan Rogers, having become one of the squad’s brightest lights, sees beyond the recent blip—he sees opportunity.
With Emery’s steady hand, Sancho and Elliott’s spark, and Rogers’s own form, Villa are poised to rise. And when they do, fans will no doubt point back to this moment: not panic, but belief marked the turning point.
