Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
