A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
