Just two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
