Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
