It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The winger might become the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
