A mere eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear if his displays were a sign or the source for the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After the England international swept in his second to restore Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his winter coat, spread his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, now sit only three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. Past precedent, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Additionally, they've rarely been wholly dominant during this run, even as the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games has the side had an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have put together 10 in a row, the Villans seem curiously susceptible – yet right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with two precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it transpired in London, and again versus United.
The initial strike originated from an exquisite effort, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more efforts on goal. Villa have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Could it be a different scenario where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
However, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly back in October, 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 feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
