A mere two months ago when the Villa attacker stood on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach berated 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 source for Villa's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
This weekend, though, the touchline reaction was far more favourable. When the in-form star drilled in his second strike to restore his side's advantage, the boss tore off his jacket, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to ten wins in a row , after failing to win their opening six fixtures, now sit a mere three points off the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
It remains a particularly tough proposition to answer. Past precedent, a general sense of this institution, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been entirely convincing this season, even as the victories have piled up.
According to Opta, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet right now the margins are falling their way.
The Reliant Strategy
The prevailing tactic seems to be to trade blows with rivals and then rely on their star man to save the day with some crisp finishes. This occurred against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more when facing United.
The initial strike stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the upright from the corner of the box. For his second was essentially a slightly less clean iteration of goal number one capitalizing on a pass from Watkins.
“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. In the recent win, the opposition registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those matches.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront in the near future. The forward, almost certainly, will not continue to blasting his shots into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be a different scenario in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins might resume scoring again.
- The attacking talent could transform into the force he resembled during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be in a Champions League place in December. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the young forward as the year closed would be at the forefront of a championship pursuit while establishing himself as a vital England player.
This winning streak must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. As Rogers positioned himself before the home supporters at the final whistle conducting the cheers, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
