A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the source of the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When Rogers drilled in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per the data, in only two games has the side registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, they appear strangely fragile – however currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and wait for Rogers to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This occurred away to Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened against the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?
Logic says not. Against United, the opponents registered more shots and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge Villa must confront as the season progresses. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to drilling the ball into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
