A mere two months ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.