Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he showed during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
