It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. 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 the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
