A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
