Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side'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 touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
