Just 60 days prior when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
