A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team'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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
