A mere 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen games, are somehow just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, they seem curiously susceptible – however right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the upright from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the football into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
