A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or a cause for Villa'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, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United had more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely 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 certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
