A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the side'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 sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed 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 as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
