It was 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst was much more joyous. When Rogers drilled in his second to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory , having failed to win their opening six games, find themselves just three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to answer. History, the traditional standing of this institution, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the victories have piled up.
Per the data, on just two occasions has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa look curiously susceptible – yet at the moment the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to save the day with two precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal acted as 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition registered more shots and more direct attempts. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival the club will encounter in the near future. The forward, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting the ball into the top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is a different scenario in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the player he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to return from injury, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
However, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge and appearing as a crucial Three Lions star.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
