It was eight weeks ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard proposition to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
