A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent the club will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
