It was two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – but right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
