A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
