Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the source 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, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the wins have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
