A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, while the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
