A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his performances were a symptom or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the sideline response proved to be much more joyous. As the England international drilled in his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding during this run, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to exchange chances with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, curled just inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition had more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward now would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
