Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, while the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
