A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
