A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
