It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for Villa'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 decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.