It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
