A mere eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over not reading a pass in behind. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the touchline reaction was much more joyous. As the in-form star drilled in his second strike to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery discarded his coat, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win , despite not winning their initial half-dozen fixtures, are somehow only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to address. Past precedent, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, even as the victories have piled up.
As per the data, in only two games have Villa had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a club that have just won 10 in a row, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more when facing the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing 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.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opposition registered more shots and more shots on target. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins could start scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed Aston Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
