Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for missing a through-ball. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. When Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six games, find themselves a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side that have put together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
