It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
