Just 60 days in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
