A mere eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
