Just two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. After the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition had more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
