Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were a sign or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their talisman to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, curled just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
