It was eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the in-form star swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six matches, now sit only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, while the positive results have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
