A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while his coach berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a sign or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.