Just eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. History, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
