It was eight weeks in the past when the young forward was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing 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, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
