It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
