A mere 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager admonished him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As Rogers swept in his second to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is a particularly tough proposition to resolve. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he seized 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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, will not continue to drilling the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
