A mere eight weeks ago when Morgan Rogers found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered while the Villa manager scolded him over missing a penetrating pass. Back then, as the club endured a six-game winless run, it wasn't clear whether his performances were a symptom or the source of the team's wider issues.
“When Rogers netted his second… Emery tore off his coat, threw his arms wide, and bellowed in delight.”
In the latest match, however, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. After the in-form star drilled in his brace-sealing goal to restore his side's advantage, the boss ripped off his jacket, threw his arms wide and bellowed. The Birmingham club continued to ten wins in a row and after failing to win their opening six matches, are somehow just three points off pace-setters Arsenal.
Is This Team Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough query to resolve. Past precedent, the traditional standing of the club, suggests not. Furthermore, they have not been wholly dominant this season, despite the fact the wins have piled up.
As per statistical analysis, in only two games has the side had an expected goals figure significantly higher than the other team. For a team who have put together ten consecutive victories, the Villans appear curiously susceptible – but at the moment the fine lines are going in their favour.
The Reliant Strategy
Their recent policy seems to be to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to bail them out with a couple of crisp finishes. This was the case at Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus the Red Devils.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the goal frame from a wide position. His brace-completing goal acted as a slight scruffier version of goal number one as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”
Can It Last?
Logic says not. Against United, Manchester United registered a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. The team has secured their last eight victories by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival Villa will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, will not continue to thrashing his shots into the net's top corner forever.
A Case for Belief
Could it be another reality in which, instead of results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- Jadon Sancho may rediscover the force he showed during his peak.
- The injured centre-backs are set to regain fitness, strengthening a sometimes shaky defence.
Maybe within that lies the possibility of a genuine bid, however, it is improbable can persist in leaning entirely on a single individual.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely two months ago, no one envisioned the young forward now would be spearheading a title charge while establishing himself as a vital player for the national team.
This remarkable period is to be savoured precisely because it feels so unlikely. When Rogers positioned himself before the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. These runs of form are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
