A mere two months prior that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
