It was 60 days ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source for the side'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, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
