A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Title Contenders?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
