A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
