Just two months in the past that the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
