Just 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
