A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays 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.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. When Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have strung together ten consecutive victories, they look strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the upright from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players may yet find their top level.
- The main striker could start scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the player he showed in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it seems so surreal. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
