It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
