Just eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause for 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, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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 more shots and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
