Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
