Just two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
