Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery scolded him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. After the in-form star swept in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
