Just 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
