A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. When the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six matches, find themselves just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to answer. The historical record, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the wins have stacked up.
Per the data, twice all season has the team registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa appear weirdly vulnerable – yet at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to save the day with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more versus United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
