A mere 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery admonished him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator 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, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their star man to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
