It was 60 days prior that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
