It was two months in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
