Just 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 over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
