Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if his performances were a sign or the source of Villa's broader struggles.
“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 much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery discarded his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with an opponent and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and again against United.
The initial strike came from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, surely, will not continue to drilling the football into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the hero faced the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.