Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
