It was eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
