Just eight weeks ago when the young forward stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or a cause 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 was much more joyous. As the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
