A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
