Just two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. Against United, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
