A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator 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.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the player he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
