Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, are somehow just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized 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. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
