Carragher tips Rogers to power Villa’s shock title tilt

Aston Villa’s title dream is still very much alive — and if you believe Jamie Carragher, it’s got a name on it: Morgan Rogers. After Unai Emery’s side roared back to pinch a 3-2 win at West Ham, keeping them just three points off leaders Arsenal, the Sky Sports pundit declared the Englishman the man who can turn Villa’s surge into something historic.

Emery has been keen to keep a lid on it, even after beating Arsenal 2-1 to snap their 18-match unbeaten run, but Carragher isn’t hedging. In his view, Morgan Rogers can drive Aston Villa to a shock Premier League title. Big call? Maybe. But on current form, it’s not daft.

Rogers the difference-maker

At the London Stadium, West Ham led twice and had Villa wobbling. Then Rogers took charge. The 23-year-old struck a classy brace, lifting his season’s haul to five goals and five assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. Carragher framed it neatly: City lean on Erling Haaland, Arsenal look to Declan Rice — and Villa’s trump card is Rogers.

It’s some rise for a lad signed from Middlesbrough for just £8 million. Last season’s numbers were elite for a newcomer: 14 goals and 16 assists in 54 games, including four goals and three assists in a dozen Champions League outings. No surprise he scooped the PFA Young Player of the Year in August. After a sluggish start to this campaign — with outside noise, including suggestions from Darren Bent that he had one eye on the exit — he’s kicked on again and looks like the main man in Emery’s attack.

Emery’s pragmatism vs Villa’s momentum

Emery doesn’t do hyperbole, and he’ll bristle at title talk. But Villa keep passing the eye test and the character test. Winning when you don’t have it all your own way at West Ham was the sort of backs-to-the-wall statement champions make. If Rogers keeps this level, the conversation stops being fanciful and starts being logistical.

England No 10: Rogers vs Bellingham

The club form has international ripples. Rogers debuted for England in a 3-0 win over Greece under caretaker Lee Carsley and netted his first senior goal in a 3-0 victory against Wales in October. Under Thomas Tuchel, he’s become a genuine option in the hole behind Harry Kane — to the extent that he’s kept Jude Bellingham out at times.

Carragher’s stance is measured: Bellingham remains the favourite to start that No 10 role when the World Cup comes around, but this is a real contest. With March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan looming, Tuchel has the perfect window to road-test both. If Rogers maintains this swagger, the shirt is no gimme.

What it means for the title race

Three points off the summit after a gutsy comeback, Villa are in the slipstream and smelling opportunity. The equation is simple: keep Rogers fit, keep him firing, and Emery’s well-drilled machine can go deep into May with a puncher’s chance. And if you’re eyeing the odds while this charge gathers pace, our rundown of the best betting sites will keep you covered.

For now, the message is clear. Villa have momentum, a manager with a plan, and a game-breaker who’s playing like he owns the stage. If Carragher’s right, the Holte End might just be dusting off the bunting.