A mere two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
