Morgan Rogers admits pressure affecting Aston Villa after damaging Premier League loss to Wolverhampton Wanders – ‘It does weigh on us’

Second-half goals from Joao Gomes and Rodrigo Gomes lifted Wolves to victory on a rainy evening at Molineux Stadium.

They remain third in the Premier League table, with Manchester United three points behind and both Chelsea and Liverpool six points behind, but they all have a game in hand.

Friday’s defeat continues Villa’s stuttering form of late – they have just one win in their last five games – and Rogers admits that the weight of expectation is beginning to have an effect on him and his team-mates.

“It does weigh on us but it shouldn’t,” the 23-year-old told Sky Sports when asked if Villa players are feeling the pressure.

“We deserve to be here and we should not forget that. Our run lately has not been as good as usual but that is the battle of the Premier League. We are going to get back to our good run of wins.”

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Villa did create a select few goal-scoring openings throughout the game, most notably falling to Amadou Onana and Pau Torres, but they were unable to convert them.

But Rogers called the overall performance “disappointing,” specifically highlighting the lack of chances they created.

“We didn’t do anywhere near enough to create chances and score goals. We controlled the game in parts. But we did not create enough chances,” he added.

“They are at home and are a good team, despite their position. They grew into the game and had their moments. In the first half we managed them as well as we could, but they had a spell on top. We did not do enough.”

Despite the underwhelming display, though, Rogers stressed that it was not “all doom and gloom” and called for positivity from the dressing room.

“We set our standards high and we have the ability to win every game,” Rogers continued. “Obviously that is not realistic but we are playing good football as a whole and there is nothing to worry about.”

‘Now is the moment to be together’

When Wolves scored their second goal in the 98th minute, Villa manager Unai Emery was seen walking straight down the tunnel.

Emery cut a frustrated figure throughout the game, especially when seven minutes of added time was awarded at the end of the second half, with the Spaniard suggesting he thought that was a little light.

But speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Emery echoed Rogers’ sentiment and stressed the need for the Villa players to stick together.

“What a fantastic season we are having. We were tired and played open. But they have good players,” Emery said. “After their goal, they were much more competitive.

“Now is the moment to be together and to understand how we are where we are. Today we did not achieve what we needed but it is still in our hands to get into a top position.

“We have still had a very good season and have good confidence that is the message.”