A mere eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for Villa'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 manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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, Manchester United registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
