It was 60 days ago when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator 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 touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
