Just two months in the past when the young forward was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
