It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
