Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team who have put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
