It was two months prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
