Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
