Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen games, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, in only two games has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
