A mere eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
