Morgan Rogers says the signings Aston Villa made in the January transfer window have “proved massive” in their bid to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League.
The Villans picked up a hugely important home win over midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, moving them up to sixth in the Premier League and just one point outside the top four.
Two goals in as many minutes from Rogers and Donyell Malen put the hosts in a commanding position. Substitute Jota Silva pulled one back for Forest in the 57th minute, but they could not find an equaliser despite taking 13 shots in the second half.
“It’s a nice moment, it was a big game,” Rogers told Sky Sports after the final whistle. “We knew we had to start fast. We knew this game was a must win and we took it as that.
“First half we were outstanding – our energy, our quality. We knew they’d come back into the game, but to withstand their pressure is massive for us. The belief is massive right now.”
Morgan Rogers hails ‘outstanding’ Aston Villa signings
Villa signed Malen permanently from Borussia Dortmund in the winter window as well as bringing in Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi on loan. Those transfers have helped the club push for the top four while reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup and the last eight of the Champions League.
“That’s what football is all about,” Rogers said. “The January signings have proved massive for us. We knew it was going to be important if we want to compete in the second half of the season in the three competitions.
“We have made changes but we all know our jobs. We were fully focused and the players who have come in have been outstanding. It was a good performance all around.”
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Villa now travel to Paris on Wednesday to take on PSG, who eliminated Liverpool in the previous round, in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
“Kind of surreal to be involved in a game like that,” the attacking midfielder added. “We’ll go there with confidence. They are one of the best teams in the world, there’s no denying that, but we’re in the quarter finals for a reason. We’ll go there to win the game as we always do. Really looking forward to it.”
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