It was two months ago when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
