It was eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opponents had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
