A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
