A mere 60 days in the past that the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
