Just 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his performances were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win , having failed to win their opening six games, are somehow just three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a club which has put together a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – but right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach appears to be to engage in a shootout with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean could be the most significant challenge the club must confront in the near future. Rogers, surely, will not continue to drilling the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
