It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason 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.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Title Contenders?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
