Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
