Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were a sign or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, find themselves a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again when facing United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
