A mere two months in the past that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if his performances were a symptom or the reason for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
As per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, they look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and once more when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of the opener as he pounced 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. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those games.
Regression to the mean could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot keep on thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he seemed to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
