Just 60 days ago when the Villa attacker was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have just won ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When the hero 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. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
