Just two months in the past when Morgan Rogers was standing on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery scolded him over not reading a penetrating pass. Back then, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear if Rogers' form were an indicator or the source for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
In the latest match, however, the manager's outburst proved to be much more joyous. After Rogers drilled in his brace-sealing goal to reclaim his side's advantage, the boss tore off his coat, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club were on their way to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points off table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Genuine Hopefuls?
That’s a rather hard query to resolve. History, the traditional standing of Villa, indicates otherwise. Moreover, their performances haven't been completely commanding this season, despite the fact the positive results have accumulated.
As per Opta, twice all season has the side posted an expected goals figure more than 0.5 greater than their opponents. For a team that have strung together 10 in a row, Villa appear strangely fragile – however right now the fine lines are falling their way.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach appears to be to exchange chances with an opponent and then rely on their star man to rescue them with two clinical strikes. This was the case away to Leeds, it happened in London, and once more when facing United.
His opener stemmed from an exquisite effort, bent just inside the post from the edge of the area. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he seized 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.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opponents managed a greater number of attempts and more efforts on goal. They have triumphed in eight consecutive games by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all except one of those fixtures.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, will not continue to thrashing the ball into the top corner forever.
Potential for Growth
Could it be another reality whereby, instead of luck running out, the level of play rises to match the results. Important figures might still return to peak condition.
- The centre-forward may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent could transform into the player he was during his peak.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are set to come back from the treatment room, strengthening a sometimes shaky backline.
This could contain the seeds for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely can continue to depend solely on a single individual.
Relishing the Unlikely
However, this was unforeseen. It seemed improbable the team would sit in a Champions League place in December. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned Rogers as the year closed would be leading a hunt for the title and appearing as a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period must be cherished exactly since it appears so improbable. When the match-winner faced 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.
