It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win any of their first six games, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a club which has just won ten consecutive victories, they appear curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
