It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have stacked up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
