It was 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the reason for the team'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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
