It was two months prior that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team went six without a win, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician discarded his jacket, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to address. History, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been wholly dominant this season, while the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side posted an xG significantly higher than the opposition. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa seem strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal came from a superb shot, arced just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents registered more shots and more direct attempts. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the biggest rival Villa must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality in which, rather than luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo will eventually regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while looking like an essential player for the national team.
The current run must be cherished for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
