It was eight weeks in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
