Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over missing a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have accumulated.
As per the data, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced just inside the upright from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and must be appreciated.
