A mere 60 days in the past when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason 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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, Emery discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
