A mere eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side'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 manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
