It was two months ago that the young forward found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
