Just 60 days in the past that Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him for not reading a through-ball. During that period, as the club went six without a win, doubts remained if his displays were a sign or a cause for the side's more general malaise.
“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star curled home his second to reclaim the lead for Villa, the boss discarded his winter coat, opened his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win and despite not winning their opening six matches, are somehow a mere three points behind pace-setters Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Challengers?
That’s an exceptionally difficult proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of the club, argues against it. Additionally, their performances haven't been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the team had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a team that have just won a ten-match winning streak, they appear curiously susceptible – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with an opponent before hoping their talisman to bail them out with some crisp finishes. This occurred at Leeds, it occurred against West Ham, and it happened versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal originated from a brilliant finish, arced right inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal proved to be a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced 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.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. In the recent win, the opposition registered more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in nearly all of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent they must confront in the near future. Rogers, in all likelihood, will not continue to drilling his shots into the top corner week in, week out.
Reasons for Optimism
Maybe there exists a different scenario whereby, instead of results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he showed in Germany.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the possibility of a genuine bid, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
But then, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable the team would be in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely two months ago, few could imagine Rogers by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a vital England player.
This remarkable period must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. As the match-winner faced the Villa faithful when the game ended conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. Which he fully merits. Such periods do not happen often and must be appreciated.
