It was two months ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach admonished him over failing to anticipate a pass in behind. At that point, as the club failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“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 was much more joyous. After the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough query to address. History, a general sense of the club, suggests not. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding during this run, even as the positive results have stacked up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – yet currently the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to trade blows with the opposition before hoping their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This was the case against Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened versus United.
The initial strike originated from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge Villa have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on drilling the football into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- The main striker could start adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the performer he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to regain fitness, bolstering a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, nobody expected this. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
