A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
