A mere two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to ten wins in a row , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side that have strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers now would be at the forefront of a title charge and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
