A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant this season, even as the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club which has put together 10 in a row, they seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
