Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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 managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
