It was eight weeks prior when Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, looking confused as his coach admonished him for not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa went six without a win, doubts remained whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
In the latest match, though, the sideline response proved to be far more favourable. After Rogers curled home his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, the boss ripped off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult question to address. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant during this run, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, on just two occasions has the team posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a side which has strung together 10 in a row, Villa seem strangely fragile – but right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with a couple of clinical strikes. This occurred away to Leeds, it happened in London, and again versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced just inside the upright from a wide position. His brace-completing goal proved to be a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents had more efforts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they must confront as the season progresses. Their key man, in all likelihood, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is another reality where, rather than outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Important figures might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the player he showed in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
However, nobody expected this. It seemed improbable Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought Rogers as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
The current run is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As the match-winner positioned himself before the home supporters when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
