It was eight weeks ago when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Title Contenders?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge they must confront in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
