It was 60 days prior when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Sunderland turf, seeming perplexed as his coach scolded him over failing to anticipate a penetrating pass. At that point, with the team failed to win in six, the question was whether his displays were a symptom or a cause for the side's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was entirely decidedly more positive. As the England international swept in his second strike to restore the lead for Villa, Emery tore off his jacket, opened his arms and roared. The team were on their way to a 10th successive win and having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow a mere three points adrift of the leaders Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Challengers?
That’s a particularly tough proposition to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of Villa, argues against it. Moreover, they have not been completely commanding this season, while the wins have piled up.
Per Opta, in only two games have Villa registered an xG notably superior than the other team. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, Villa seem weirdly vulnerable – however at the moment the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic looks like to exchange chances with rivals before hoping Rogers to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened away to Leeds, it transpired in London, and again when facing the Red Devils.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent right inside the post from the corner of the box. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a pass from Watkins.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more efforts on goal. They have secured their last eight victories by a single goal. The defence has been breached in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the greatest opponent the club have to face over the coming weeks. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot maintain drilling the football into the top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is a different scenario where, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Important figures could still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger could transform into the force he was during his peak.
- The defensive duo are due to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the possibility for a sustained push, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Savoring the Moment
However, nobody expected this. Few believed Aston Villa would be third at Christmas. And certainly two months ago, few could imagine the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital Three Lions star.
This remarkable period is to be savoured exactly since it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the Villa faithful after the match orchestrating the applause, he seemed to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These spells are rare in football and should be relished.
