A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six matches, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
