It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a sign or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team were on their way to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult proposition to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – but currently the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a crucial Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it appears so improbable. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, 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.
