It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
