Just eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
