Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as Unai Emery admonished him for failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as Villa failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the source for the side's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst proved to be decidedly more positive. When the England international curled home his second to restore his side's advantage, the boss discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the victories have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an xG more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side which has put together a ten-match winning streak, they look curiously susceptible – however currently the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for Rogers to rescue them with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again versus Manchester United.
The initial strike originated from a superb shot, arced right inside the upright from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of his first 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United managed more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those fixtures.
Regression to the mean may well be the biggest rival the club have to face as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the football into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players might still rediscover their best form.
- The main striker may begin to scoring again.
- The winger might become the player he was during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And certainly earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be at the forefront of a title charge while looking like a vital Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When Rogers stood in front of the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
