It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, while the victories have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals before hoping Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more versus United.
His opener came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential England player.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and should be relished.
