Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while his coach berated him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the England international curled home his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team which has strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and wait for their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
