Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator 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.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough question to address. History, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, in only two games has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team which has put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed the team would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and must be appreciated.
