A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa'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 manager's outburst was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, while the wins have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – but at the moment the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, few could imagine the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
