Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
