A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether 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.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended 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.
