It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
