It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
