It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. After the England international drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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 a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers faced the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, 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.
