Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause for the team'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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, Emery tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
