It was 60 days ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the side'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 touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
