It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
