Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of 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, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts 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 fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
