Just eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
