Just eight weeks prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
