Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
