It was 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
