It was two months ago that the Villa attacker found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
