A mere eight weeks ago when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
