A mere 60 days ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
