A mere two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of 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 manager's outburst was far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
