It was eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
