Just two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
