A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction proved to be much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team had an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team which has just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again against Manchester United.
His opener came from a superb shot, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, no one envisioned Rogers now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
