Just two months in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as Unai Emery admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the source 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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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 direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
