A mere eight weeks ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the side's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After Rogers swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, find themselves only three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, even as the positive results have accumulated.
Per statistical analysis, in only two games have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear strangely fragile – yet right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic seems to be to exchange chances with an opponent and wait for their talisman to bail them out with some precise efforts. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener came from an exquisite effort, curled precisely 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 setup by his strike partner.
“Perhaps Rogers’ right foot is becoming like Arjen Robben’s left: just because you know he’s going to whip the ball into the top corner doesn’t mean you can stop him.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. During the latest victory, the opponents managed more shots and more shots on target. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all but one of those games.
A reversion to average could be the most significant challenge they have to face as the season progresses. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a vital England player.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. When the hero positioned himself before the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. Which he fully merits. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
