A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were an indicator or the reason of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. The team continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look curiously susceptible – yet currently the margins are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with an opponent and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing 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?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form do not happen often and should be relished.
