It was two months prior when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
