Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
