It was two months prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
