A mere eight weeks ago that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
