Just two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him over missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
