A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
