Just two months in the past that the Villa attacker stood on the Sunderland turf, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his displays were a sign or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate Villa's lead, Emery discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, on just two occasions has the team registered an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than the other team. For a team that have put together a ten-match winning streak, they appear weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with rivals and wait for their star man to save the day with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slightly less clean iteration of the opener capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average could be the greatest opponent the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually regain fitness, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the North End when the game ended leading the celebrations, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
