Just eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery admonished him for missing a through-ball. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was if his displays were a sign 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 manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to address. History, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the positive results have stacked up.
According to statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team registered an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with some clinical strikes. It happened against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opponents registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club have to face in the near future. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality whereby, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger could transform into the performer he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually return from injury, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable backline.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt back in October, 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 vital Three Lions star.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
