Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
