It was two months ago when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought 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 hunt for the title while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
