A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, the question was if his performances were a sign or the reason of Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit a mere three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an xG notably superior than their opponents. For a side which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem curiously susceptible – however right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy appears to be to trade blows with rivals and wait for their talisman to rescue them with two clinical strikes. It happened away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one as he seized on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival they have to face in the near future. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be a different scenario in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
