Just eight weeks in the past when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a symptom or the source for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. After the England international curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains a rather hard proposition to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season has the team had an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a team which has just won 10 in a row, they appear curiously susceptible – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to bail them out with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and again versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“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. During the latest victory, the opposition had a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path in which, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
