Just two months in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
