It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
