It was eight weeks prior when the Villa attacker found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
