A mere 60 days ago when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over missing a pass in behind. Back then, as the club went six without a win, the question was whether Rogers' form were a sign or a cause for the team's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the sideline response was entirely far more favourable. As the in-form star swept in his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a tenth straight victory and despite not winning any of their first six games, now sit a mere three points adrift of pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
It remains an exceptionally difficult question to resolve. The historical record, a general sense of Villa, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, their performances haven't been entirely convincing this season, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side who have just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however currently the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more versus United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slightly less clean iteration of his first capitalizing on a setup by his strike partner.
“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. During the latest victory, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more shots on target. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the most significant challenge they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
Reasons for Optimism
Perhaps there is an alternative path where, instead of luck running out, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start finding the net regularly.
- The winger might become the performer he resembled at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs will eventually regain fitness, fortifying an occasionally vulnerable defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds for a sustained push, however, it is improbable can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable the team would occupy third at Christmas. And certainly back in October, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
