It was two months prior when the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
