It was eight weeks prior when the young forward found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough question to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
