Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
