A mere 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason 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 was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended 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 should be relished.
