A mere 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach berated him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“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 was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
