It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
