A mere 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or a cause of Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six matches, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus United.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
