A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed as the Villa manager admonished him over missing a penetrating pass. During that period, with the team endured a six-game winless run, 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 decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. The team continued to a tenth straight victory , despite not winning any of their first six games, find themselves a mere three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard question to answer. History, a general sense of this institution, suggests not. Additionally, they've rarely been entirely convincing this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG significantly higher than the other team. For a side which has just won ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear weirdly vulnerable – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to save the day with two clinical strikes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened versus Manchester United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent precisely inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a somewhat messier replica of the opener 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.”
Can It Last?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the most significant challenge they will encounter as the season progresses. Their key man, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting the ball past despairing goalkeepers week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward could start finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- The injured centre-backs are set to return from injury, strengthening a periodically leaky backline.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine Rogers now would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it seems so surreal. As Rogers faced the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are uncommon in the sport and ought to be celebrated.
