Just 60 days in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as the Villa manager admonished him for not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. As the England international drilled in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough question to address. History, a general sense of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, even as the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an xG more than 0.5 greater than the opposition. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their star man to save the day with some clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the post from a wide position. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents registered more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the greatest opponent they will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still find their top level.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, no one envisioned the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This winning streak is to be savoured exactly since it seems so surreal. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, it was clear to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
