A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
