It was eight weeks in the past that the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
