It was eight weeks ago that the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause for Villa'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, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
