A mere two months prior that the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason 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.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
