It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
