It was two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning any of their first six matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
