It was two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or a cause of the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
