A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
