Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach scolded him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, as the club went six without a win, the question was if Rogers' form were a sign or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers curled home his second to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win any of their first six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. The historical record, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear curiously susceptible – however currently the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their star man to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. In the recent win, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival the club must confront in the near future. The forward, surely, cannot keep on drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the performer he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial England player.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
