Just eight weeks in the past when the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
