A mere two months ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach admonished him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his performances were an indicator or the reason for the side's broader struggles.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response proved to be decidedly more positive. After Rogers swept in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six games, are somehow only three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?
This is a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team registered an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more against United.
His opener stemmed from a superb shot, bent right inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of the opener capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they will encounter over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling the ball into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The centre-forward may begin to finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be leading a title charge and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When the hero positioned himself before the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
