It was eight weeks prior when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as 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 hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
