A mere eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his performances were an indicator or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, now sit only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant during this run, even as the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club that have put together 10 in a row, they look strangely fragile – but currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with some clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, Manchester United registered more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the ball into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the player he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit 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 championship pursuit while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
