It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
