Just 60 days in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
