Just 60 days prior that Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, appearing bewildered while Unai Emery berated him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. During that period, as the club endured a six-game winless run, the question was if his displays were a sign or the reason of the side's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction proved to be far more favourable. When Rogers swept in his second strike to reinstate his side's advantage, the boss discarded his coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow only three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of the club, indicates otherwise. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing in many games, despite the fact the victories have accumulated.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club who have just won a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear strangely fragile – however right now the tight outcomes are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for their star man to bail them out with some clinical strikes. It happened at Leeds, it happened against West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener originated from a superb shot, bent just inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of his first as he seized 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, Manchester United had a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the most significant challenge Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, surely, cannot keep on thrashing his shots past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Key players could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the seeds of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. Nobody thought Aston Villa would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely earlier this season, nobody thought the young forward by the end of the year would be leading a title charge while looking like a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. When Rogers stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he appeared to be loving the experience. As he deserves to. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
