Just 60 days ago when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of 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, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
