It was two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, looking confused as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if Rogers' form were a symptom or the source of Villa's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the manager's outburst proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have stacked up.
As per Opta, on just two occasions has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a side that have just won 10 in a row, Villa look strangely fragile – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced right inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“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, the opposition had more shots and more shots on target. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain blasting his shots into the top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players might still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable backline.
Maybe within that lies the potential of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero faced the home supporters at the final whistle orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are rare in football and must be appreciated.
