Just two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
