A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to the data, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one 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. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
