A mere two months in the past when the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
