A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager berated him over missing a penetrating pass. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the Spanish tactician ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win any of their first six games, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
It remains a rather hard question to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the wins have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club that have put together ten consecutive victories, Villa appear strangely fragile – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Key players could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. As Rogers faced the Villa faithful when the game ended leading the celebrations, he appeared to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
