A mere 60 days prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
