A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
