It was two months prior that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a symptom or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
