A mere 60 days prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
