Just 60 days in the past that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
