Just 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
