A mere two months prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
