Just 60 days ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
