It was 60 days in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
