It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and again against United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
