Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. When the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.