It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the player he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
