A mere two months prior when Morgan Rogers found himself on the pitch at Sunderland, appearing bewildered while his coach scolded him for failing to anticipate a pass in behind. Back then, with the team failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for Villa's wider issues.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the touchline reaction was entirely much more joyous. As the in-form star curled home his second strike to reinstate the lead for Villa, Emery ripped off his coat, threw his arms wide and roared. Villa marched on to ten wins in a row , having failed to win their opening six fixtures, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Serious Hopefuls?
This is a particularly tough question to address. The historical record, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they have not been entirely convincing during this run, even as the positive results have accumulated.
As per statistical analysis, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than the opposition. For a side which has put together ten consecutive victories, they look curiously susceptible – however at the moment the margins are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
Their recent policy looks like to engage in a shootout with rivals and wait for their star man to rescue them with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and once more versus Manchester United.
Rogers' first goal stemmed from a brilliant finish, bent just inside the post from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
How Long Can This Continue?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, Manchester United had more shots and more direct attempts. Villa have secured their last eight victories by just one goal. The defence has been breached in nearly all of those games.
Regression to the mean might be the greatest opponent Villa must confront as the season progresses. Rogers, almost certainly, cannot keep on thrashing the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
Potential for Growth
Maybe there exists another reality in which, instead of outcomes regressing to match displays, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs may yet find their top level.
- The centre-forward might resume finding the net regularly.
- The winger may rediscover the player he resembled in Germany.
- The defensive duo will eventually come back from the treatment room, strengthening a periodically leaky defensive unit.
Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, however, it is improbable cannot keep relying on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
Yet, this is a surprise. Few believed Villa would be in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt two months ago, nobody thought the young forward now would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period must be cherished for the very reason that it seems so surreal. When the hero faced the Villa faithful when the game ended orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. Which he fully merits. Such periods are uncommon in the sport and must be appreciated.
