It was eight weeks in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a through-ball. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if his displays were an indicator or the source of the team's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. As Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, Emery discarded his winter coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa continued to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, a general sense of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they have not been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
Per the data, in only two games has the side posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a side who have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans appear strangely fragile – but right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Winning Formula
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with two precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. In the recent win, the opposition managed more shots and more efforts on goal. The team has triumphed in eight consecutive games by the narrowest of margins. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A reversion to average could be the biggest rival the club must confront over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, will not continue to blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Could it be an alternative path where, instead of results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Key players may yet return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he resembled during his peak.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Perhaps there is in that the potential of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would occupy third at Christmas. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
The current run should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers positioned himself before the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
