It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
