It was 60 days ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, suggests not. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet right now the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, curled right inside the post from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
