A mere two months ago that Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for Villa's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow just three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to bail them out with some crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened against Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in nearly all of those games.
A statistical correction might be the most significant challenge they must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and should be relished.
