Just two months ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
