A mere 60 days prior that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
