Just two months ago that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or a cause for Villa'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, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
