A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause of the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to restore Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to a tenth straight victory , after failing to win their opening six games, are somehow only three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to resolve. The historical record, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, on just two occasions has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, they look weirdly vulnerable – but at the moment the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the post from the edge of the area. His brace-completing 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival they will encounter in the near future. Their key man, in all likelihood, will not continue to blasting his shots into the net's top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky backline.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
However, this is a surprise. Few believed the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought Rogers now would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. As the hero stood in front of the home supporters after the match conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
