A mere eight weeks in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
