Just eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
