It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
