Just eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more against United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
