Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
