It was 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the team's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. It happened against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
