Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
