Just two months prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or the reason of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. As Rogers curled home his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss tore off his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. Villa were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow a mere three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Challengers?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look strangely fragile – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their star man to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he pounced 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, Manchester United had more efforts and more shots on target. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those fixtures.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain thrashing the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker could start finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Few believed Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, nobody thought the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit while looking like an essential Three Lions star.
The current run should be enjoyed for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
