Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore his side's advantage, Emery tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six matches, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they look weirdly vulnerable – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and then rely on Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club will encounter in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the North End after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
