Just two months in the past when the young forward stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a title charge while looking like an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
