It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to ten wins in a row , despite not winning their opening six games, now sit just three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Challengers?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
According to Opta, in only two games have Villa had an xG notably superior than the other team. For a club which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and again against Manchester United.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the force he resembled during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, nobody thought the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it feels so unlikely. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
