It was 60 days prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team'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 touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
