Morgan Rogers highlights 'massive' Aston Villa move after Nottingham Forest win

Rogers scored his 13th goal of the season before Donyell Malen, a £21million arrival from Borussia Dortmund, netted what proved to be the winner as Villa recorded their seventh win on the spin in all competitions and moved into the Premier League top-six. 

Boss Unai Emery delivered a demonstration of Villa’s squad depth by making eight changes to the team which started last Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Brighton.

And though Villa were left hanging on after Jota Silva pulled one back in the second half, Rogers felt the win demonstrated the impact of his new team-mates.

"That's what football is all about. The January signings have proved massive for us,” he told Sky Sports.

“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."

Villa looked to be cruising after Rogers and Malen struck to put them 2-0 up after 15 minutes.

But Forest came on strong in the second half and were guilty of missing a host of good chances. Just three of the visitors’ 19 shots in the match were on target.

Rogers continued: "It's a nice moment. We knew it was a big game. 

(Nottingham Forest) are doing really well in the league and they are a difficult team to play.

“We knew we had to start fast and we knew it was a must win if we want to get where we wanted to get in the Premier League. 

“We were outstanding and deservedly got in front. We knew they will come back into it. They have got that quality but withstanding that pressure is massive for us."

Boss Emery said: "The second half, I am not happy. They were changing their tactics and taking more duels aggressively, pressing higher and we were not dominating like we have to.

"This victory is very important. I’m very happy with the victory. Very demanding of myself to improve things within. I am happy because we have three points more."