Just two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have piled up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
