A mere eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
