Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they must confront in the near future. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the performer he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
