A mere two months prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as the Villa manager berated him for not reading a through-ball. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his displays were a symptom or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reinstate the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and roared. The team marched on to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a rather hard query to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a side that have just won ten consecutive victories, Villa look strangely fragile – yet at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping Rogers to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened in London, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
The initial strike stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those fixtures.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa will encounter over the coming weeks. Their key man, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo are set to return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the seeds of a title challenge, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it appears so improbable. When the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and should be relished.
