It was eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won 10 in a row, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean may well be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
