A mere two months prior that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
