A mere 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
