It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a club who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and again when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
