A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason of the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
