Just eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers stood on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager berated him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or a cause for the team'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 manager's outburst was entirely much more joyous. As the England international swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win any of their first six matches, are somehow a mere three points adrift of table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Challengers?
This is an exceptionally difficult question to address. Past precedent, the perceived status of this institution, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been wholly dominant in many games, despite the fact the positive results have piled up.
Per Opta, twice all season has the side had an expected goals figure notably superior than the other team. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, the Villans look weirdly vulnerable – however right now the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The current approach seems to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition before hoping their star man to rescue them with some crisp finishes. It happened at Leeds, it transpired in London, and it happened when facing Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent right inside the post from a wide position. For his second acted as a slightly less clean iteration of his first 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?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction might be the biggest rival the club must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot keep on blasting the football into the net's top corner indefinitely.
A Case for Belief
Could it be an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the performer he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres will eventually return from injury, strengthening an occasionally vulnerable defence.
This could contain the possibility of a title challenge, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought the team would occupy in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder as the year closed would be at the forefront of a hunt for the title while establishing himself as an essential player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed exactly since it appears so improbable. When the hero faced the home supporters when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells do not happen often and ought to be celebrated.
