It was 60 days ago when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
