A mere two months in the past when the young forward stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
