Just two months ago that Morgan Rogers was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, seeming perplexed while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a through-ball. During that period, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his performances were an indicator or the source for the team's broader struggles.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, in contrast, the touchline reaction was entirely far more favourable. After the England international curled home his second strike to reinstate Villa's lead, the boss discarded his jacket, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to a 10th successive win and after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
This is an exceptionally difficult query to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, while the wins have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a club that have put together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but right now the tight outcomes are swinging for them.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic looks like to trade blows with the opposition and wait for Rogers to save the day with two crisp finishes. This was the case away to Leeds, it occurred in London, and it happened when facing United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a superb shot, curled just inside the goal frame from the corner of the box. The follow-up goal acted as a slight scruffier version of his first as he seized on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, the opposition managed more efforts and more direct attempts. The team has won each of their last eight by a single goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the biggest rival Villa have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting his shots into the net's top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- Ollie Watkins could start adding to his goal tally.
- The winger may rediscover the player he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on one man.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would sit third at Christmas. And without a doubt earlier this season, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit while establishing himself as an essential Three Lions star.
The current run must be cherished exactly since it feels so unlikely. As the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match conducting the cheers, he appeared to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
