A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against United.
His opener came from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and should be relished.
