Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him for missing a pass in behind. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the side's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the manager's outburst was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the Spanish tactician tore off his coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa continued to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, find themselves a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the victories have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, Villa seem strangely fragile – however at the moment the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition before hoping their talisman to rescue them with a couple of precise efforts. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal came from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from a wide position. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Logic says not. In the recent win, the opponents had more efforts 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 but one of those games.
A reversion to average may well be the greatest opponent they have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers forever.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path where, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins might resume adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in the top three for the holidays. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder now would be leading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the North End when the game ended orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be relishing every moment. As he deserves to. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
