It was eight weeks in the past when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or a cause of Villa's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the sideline response was much more joyous. After the in-form star swept in his second strike to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen games, now sit just three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough query to address. The historical record, the perceived status of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per Opta, on just two occasions have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans look curiously susceptible – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to trade blows with an opponent before hoping Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and once more when facing United.
His opener originated from a brilliant finish, curled precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on a pass from Watkins.
“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?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opponents managed more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those games.
A statistical correction might be the greatest opponent they must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The winger might become the force he was in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this is a surprise. Nobody thought the team would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, few could imagine Rogers as the year closed would be spearheading a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it seems so surreal. When the hero stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
