Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while his coach scolded him over missing a through-ball. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, it wasn't clear whether his displays were an indicator or the reason for Villa's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, however, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. As the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, opened his arms and shouted in triumph. The Birmingham club were on their way to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, find themselves just three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of this institution, argues against it. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing in many games, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season have Villa posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a side who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy appears to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to rescue them with two crisp finishes. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired against West Ham, and once more against the Red Devils.
The initial strike came from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica of the opener as he pounced 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?
Reason suggests otherwise. Against United, the opposition managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the greatest opponent the club have to face as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Perhaps there is an alternative path whereby, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures could still return to peak condition.
- The main striker might resume adding to his goal tally.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was in Germany.
- The defensive duo are due to regain fitness, strengthening a periodically leaky defence.
Perhaps there is in that the potential for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this was unforeseen. Few believed the team would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine Rogers now would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential England player.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and must be appreciated.
