A mere two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
That’s a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
Elara is a seasoned gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in reviewing online casinos and advocating for responsible gambling practices.
Patrick Love
Patrick Love