It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
