A mere eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the manager's outburst was entirely far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win any of their first six games, now sit just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the margins are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals before hoping their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred in London, and once more when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers faced the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he seemed to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
