Just 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. When the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their opening six fixtures, are somehow just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the positive results have stacked up.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a club which has strung together ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – but currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping their talisman to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and again versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the most significant challenge Villa must confront over the coming weeks. The forward, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defence.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
