A mere two months prior when the Villa attacker was standing on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered as his coach scolded him for not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained whether his displays were an indicator or the source for Villa's more general malaise.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
On Sunday, however, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. As the England international drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, Emery ripped off his winter coat, opened his arms and roared. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and having failed to win their initial half-dozen fixtures, now sit just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
This is a rather hard proposition to address. History, the traditional standing of the club, argues against it. Moreover, their performances haven't been entirely convincing during this run, while the wins have stacked up.
According to the data, twice all season have Villa registered an expected goals figure notably superior than their opponents. For a club that have strung together 10 in a row, they seem weirdly vulnerable – yet currently the margins are going in their favour.
The Rogers Recipe
The prevailing tactic appears to be to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to bail them out with a couple of precise efforts. This occurred away to Leeds, it transpired at West Ham, and it happened when facing United.
His opener originated from an exquisite effort, arced right inside the upright from the edge of the area. For his second acted as a somewhat messier replica 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Common sense dictates no. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by the narrowest of margins. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is another reality in which, rather than luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs could still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward might resume scoring again.
- Jadon Sancho might become the force he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- The defensive duo are set to come back from the treatment room, bolstering an occasionally vulnerable defence.
Perhaps there is in that the seeds of a genuine bid, but they surely can continue to depend solely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. It seemed improbable Villa would be third at Christmas. And without a doubt back in October, few could imagine the midfielder now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured for the very reason that it appears so improbable. As Rogers stood in front of the North End when the game ended conducting the cheers, he seemed to be loving the experience. A feeling he has rightly earned. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.
