It was 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team'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 manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have put together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
