A mere two months in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
