Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
