It was two months ago that the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
