Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether Rogers' form were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, however, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear strangely fragile – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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 opponents had more shots and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the force he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
