It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have just won ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their star man to bail them out with two precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean may well be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. When Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
