A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
