A mere 60 days prior that the young forward was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
