A mere eight weeks prior that the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, while the wins have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
