It was eight weeks ago that the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his displays were an indicator or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the player he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
