Just eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club went six without a win, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
This is a particularly tough query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for Rogers to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition registered more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger could transform into the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
