It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
