Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
