Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have stacked up.
As per Opta, twice all season has the team posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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. Against United, Manchester United managed more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
